(Page 1)
Liverpool England. June 10. 1887
My dear friend Amy Post-
Some forty years ago I wrote
you a letter from England and
I do not wish my present tour
to end without sending you another-
though only to tell you that I am well
and continue to remember you
with gratitude and affection. You
were among the first of American
women to give me shelter &
make me feel at home under
your roof- kindness I never forget.
I have now been on this side the
Atlantic near nine months-
I have travelled far and seen
heard and felt much- much
(Page 2)
that I could talk about if I was
seated by your side- but not much
that I can now find time to
to write about. In our travels-
(for Helen was with me throughout
till a few hours ago) we have
taken in England, France Italy-
Switzerland- Greece and Egypt-
we have visited- London Paris Naples
Rome, Athens, Alexandra- Cairo-
and many other famous towns
and cities- which when I consider
my starting period in life,
it is marvellous [sic] that I have
accomplished so much-but
I feel that it has all come
too late in life. I should
(Page 3)
have travelled thus when I was
younger and when my ambition
for achievements was more vigorous-
I came to Liverpool now to see
my dear Helen off to America.
The condition of the health of her
mother has been such of late as
to make Helen feel that she ought
to go home. It was a sore trial
to her to leave me here even for
a few weeks- but she is a strong
woman and she bore it bravely.
She is now well on her way- in a
stout ship and I have no doubt
will arrive safely- I have
something to tell you. I met a
man in the street a day or two
(Page 4)
ago- who introduced himself
to me as Dr. Tomblety- He
spoke freely of yourself and
Jacob. I shall want to know
more of him if I shall be
spared to see you again. He
told me much about himself
in a very brief space, for he
seemed to have more tongues
than ears- I could not get
a word in anywhere- and you
know I am too much in
love with my own voice
to like being suppressed and
overtalked in that way- but
enough of Dr. Tomblety. He
seemed a good fellow after
all.
(Page 5)
I must tell you of another I met
with whom you have been in
other days ag acquainted to some
extent, if not with her, you have
been with her history, for she
has a history. When in Rome at
the Hotel De la Poste- there came
to see me a handsome and elegantly
dressed lady. She was refined in her
manners and appearance- and
made a favorable impression
upon all who saw her- she called
many names of persons with
whom I am acquainted in
America- She seemed a thoroughly
English lady. She introduced herself
as Mrs. Martin- said she had
seen me before- at a public
meeting in Washington- I had
(Page 6)
recollection of her and could not
imagine who she could be- At
last she told me "I am she that
was Victoria Woodhull' I am
now married to Mr. Martin
and live in London- The
announcement was startling
enough for I had no idea of
meeting Mrs. Woodhull. I have
made some enqueries [sic] about
her since and find that she
is lively living very quietly
in London as the wife a
thoroughly respectable Banker
Such is life- You may have
known all this before- but
I did not. I also met in
Rome three of the sisters
(Page 7)
of Charls Charles Remond. It
was very pleasant to meet
so far away from home
these dear people. Like Charles
they detest prejudice of color
and say they would wo not
live in the U. States, if you could
or would give them America!
I told them I found America a
very good country to live in
and that popular prejudice
was on the wane- A few days
ago I saw my old friend Julia
Griffiths. She came to London
to see us and though she,
like ourselves is older than
thirty five years ago- she is
(Page 8)
still quite lively- In Paris I
saw Mrs Elizabeth Cady Stanton
at the house of her son- She is
at work on her woman's Bible
and seems more radical than
ever. She is a noble and brave
woman and has no snobbery
about her- I hope that you are
still well and active though that
is a gooddeal to hope and more
to expect, but you are
an exception to general rules-
Do I pray you remember me
kindly to dear Mary and
Sarah- I love to think of their
unceasing friendship- To Jacob-
Joseph and William I also wish
to be remembered
Always and to the end
yours
Fredk. Douglass
(Page 1)
[Text in top margin written upward]
I have written
this hurriedly &
have not had
time to look it
over-- am going
over to sit a
while with Soj &
read to her.
She gets so lone-
ly.
Please excuse
all mistakes
and accept much
love from
Frances
[Text Normal]
Battle Creek Mich. July 21st, 83
No. 41 North Avenue.
My ever dear Amy
For weeks & months
& I might almost say years, I have often
& often thought I would write you, but with
such a busy life as I have here it was
easier to defer than to accomplish it.
I almost wonder how then there seems an open-
ing for the accomplishment of this object.
I went west last winter & was gone several
weeks. The sister you have heard me speak of was
quite ill & I went mostly on her account.
She is now with me & in better health. Also
I have another sister, (a half sister) from Leav-
enworth Kansas, who has been visiting me since
in May. She will probably stay till Oct.
We are enjoying our visit together much. They
are both intelligent & liberal minded -- we
enjoy the same books & the same ideas, so
it is all around most agreeable.
(Page 2)
Our old friend Sojourner lives only
about 3 blocks away & we see her quite
often. She has had a hard summer.
Her leg has been much more trouble-
some than before in years -- badly swollen
& the raw sore much enlarged. The
pain, at times, is intense. Some times [sic] I think
she will last only a little time, but she has
rallied the last [week?] & is better now than
she has been in two months previous. Her
mind seems just as bright as ever, I
can see no falling off. It is most wonderful
at least we think so, because it is un-
common. She keeps cheerful & patient through
it all. She very often speaks, with a great
^deal^ of feeling of you & wants to see you again.
We would all be so rejoiced to have you
come here this summer. Phebe Willis speaks
of it & desires it, as we all do. Now come you
just pick up your bonnet & come.
I think you would enjoy it, for we will
do all in our power to make you comfort-
(Page 3)
able & happy. I do not know how your health
is but I hope you feel equal to the journey.
There are many questions I would like to ask.
About Lucy & her sister, how & where they are.
The Mitchels what of them; after 4 years have
gone by. Helen Mitchel -- was a good [ideal?] of
a woman, had circumstances been propitious
What is her fate? The Underhills, where are
they? I would dearly love to see Leah. Soj-
ourner wants to hear from her & all the family
Is Lilly married or is the family still togeth-
er. How I wish I could ask these questions
in person. I would write to Leah, but she
will not answer, she cannot bear to
write -- is all out of the habit. I should
think she would be glad to hear from Sojourner
for she seemed to take such an interest
in her. Sojourner has not forgotten her at
all but speaks in the tenderest terms of her.
Dear Amy the money you sent to
Soj was most gratefully rec’d, it has
nearly all been used for fuel. She sits by a
fire summer & winter & her bill for fuel is
[text continues upward into right margin]
quite large.
[text continues on page 4 with line beginning “I have thought some person”
(Page 4)
[text in top margin, written upside down]
Where & how are Willett and family? Is the
baby nice? Where is Mary? It will be as easy
to come here & talk to me as to answer all these
questions
[text normal, continued from page 3 with line ending “quite large.”]
I have thought that some person of wealth
might bequeath a few hundred dollars to
Sojourner, which would most likely last
her as long as she would need earthly help.
I often see in the Womans Journal mention
made of some bequest to either [individuals?]
or Colleges. I have tried very hard & faithfully
to get up a little fund for her to draw from
but have not succeeded. Ever since
the winter of 76 I have seen to her support,
either by taking her to [illegible] meetings or
from my private resources. Sojourner is
very different from an ordinary poor person
She has been so much & done so much &
suffered so much, it gives me a [sensitive?]
feeling for her & whilst I have a living & she
needs one I hope to continue in my care
of her. It does not seem at all likely
she will continue to need care very much
longer. It would gladden her heart to see
thee once more. Do you hear from [Parks?]
or Fred Douglas [sic];. Lovingly, Your Frances.
(Page 1)
April 19 1879
Amy Post.
My dear friend:
I am truly sorry
to know that our friend Sojourner
Truth, is still in need of help
and equally sorry that I am so
little able to help her. I was pretty
well off in Rochester and had a dollar
or two to put in whenever the friends
of brave Sojourner were pleased to hand
around the hat for her. But now,
as I have said, I can do but little
in this time. Washington has been
a financial misfortune. I lost
ten thousand dollars by my
newspaper Enterprise and have ^been^
losing in other directions ever since.
I have now three families to support.
Three of Rosa’s Children, a part of
(Page 2)
of Charley’s whose wife is dead-
and my old sick brother Perry and
his daughter. Brother Perry has
been on the Doctor’s hands all
winter and is still very feeble.
I do not think he will ever
be able to make his own living
again. Slavery got about all the
work there was in him and he
has come to me to spend his
last days. He is a dear old
fellow and I am glad to have
a shelter for him. My position
here exposes me to an increasing
stream of applications for help and
I try to respond favorably to most
of them but I have now about
touched bottom. I bought property
when I came here when it
was dear and have it now
on my hands when it is
nearly worthless except in
(Page 3)
prospect.
Please find one dollar within for
the Sojourner Truth Fund. I wish
it were ten but ^should^ half the dear
old Lady’s friends will do as much
she will have many hundreds
to smooth her declining years.
I too regret that I can not
see and hear more of you. I
am glad to hear from you always
and shall be glad to help you
in any good work which may
engage your hand and heart-
though it be ever so little- for I
know your justice as well as
your benevolence. You say
nothing of Willie. I should be
delighted to see him and his
bride. Your hand writing
implies soundness of body and
mind- and gives me hope that
you may yet live long to bless the
(Page 4)
the needy and unfortunate.
Remember ^me^ most kindly of Mrs. Titus
I should have been glad of
a word about all your
dear Circle William and Mary
Mr Willis and sister Sarah.
I expect to forget many
things before I die- but
never you or the dear
members of your family.
Anna is still pretty well,
and I feel pretty strong
though official life is making
me a little too fat.
With kindest regards
yours truly always
Fredk Douglass
of the future They went home on 2nd day on 3 day they expected Lord & Lady Amberley to spend the day and she had written home to have seve- ral others invited to meet them Fannie Caven-
er who was the only one at home had been with E M Davis to call on them in a letter said I think grandma it is you they want to see" (Maria [Dav-]
is from home) They met wirh them in boston They
had a letter of introduction to Lucretia from J
Stewart Mill L said they seemed interested in
all the reformatory and liberal movements
of the age and I have heard the Lady said to
a person after hearing L speak at Longfellows church she felt that was enough to pay her for cro-
ssing the ocean He is Lord John Russels son
She is Lord [?] daughter and granddaughter
to the present premier of England on the next
equal rights and Peace meetings to be on
Thanksgiving day after that I hope they
will rest a little [?] Lord said we
wish mother would take care of herself
we feel selfish and want to keep her as
long as we can They were at Baltimore Y. M.
I never saw such a woman her interest in
everything George and Pattie talk of buying a
house at Orange she went with them to see
it entering into everything relating to it and
said I hope thee will not attempt to fit the carpets again Oh said Patties mother took it
all in has them all planned L said that
does not hurt me to sit on a bench and piece
I like it There will be one advantage in going
to Orange they will be more among strangers
and will not be burdened by so many callers
L said I feel it to be burden now You may
smile at my items and think me silly to
note them but I wish you were here I would
come into the very life of this greatest of
women who I fear has nearly reached the
summit of her earth life She is as really
and truly a messiah to this age as the
messiahs who have gone before but
like them is not understood or appreciated
(Page 1)
Boston Sept 26 . 1869
Dear Friend Amy Post
I have ascertained
that Levi Crozier lives at
32 . Rochester Street
and Thomas Crozier
Piano MaKer 700
Harrison Avenue lives
in Charlestown.
To the present I have
been prevented from
Some enquiries about
them. having among other
matters been on
double duty at the
Post office consequent
upon Vacations of
ClerKs Vc = But I intend
Calling upon them
and will report
(Page 2)
the information (if any)
thus obtained.
I was exceedingly
glad to recieve [sic] thy -Letter
convincing me that
my name was Yet in
the Record BooK of
Amy and Isaac Post at
36 Sophia Street.
Many are the Questions
occurring to me in
reference to familiar
names in Rochester
too many indeed for
the limits of this
brief note. but I
Shall improve
another occasion
to get Post ed.
(Page 3)
I am at last rejoicing
in Double Blessedness
and am quite
pleasantly Situated.
I can hardly
believe it when
remembering past
associations =and
Conversations with the
Circles in Rochester
and elsewhere .
-
Louisa will return
from the White Mountains
within 2 weeKs .
FranK Cleggett and
Little Daughter who
Came on in April to
the Reception is Yet
here Visiting her
Friends.
(Page 4)
I presume You have
Seen Samuel J. Mays
BooK . He has Sent me
a Copy = He has had
the perusal of Several
of my Bound Volumes
of Liberators . and
now Hon Henry Wilson
is using them .
Mrs Putnam has removed
from Worcester to BrooKlyn
N.Y. where her Daughter
Georgiana is Teaching
Leaving much
unsaid and
tendering Kind
regards to all I
remain
Fraternally Yours
William C. Nell.
Mrs. L. Scott to Amy Kirby Post
12/27/1868
Monday Eve Dec. 27th 1/68
My Dear Mrs Post
Yours of Nov 19th
was duly rec v'd & appreciated -- I lookd for it
long but it came at last freighted with love &
kindness -- which made me forget the long interval
that I had not heard from you -- & now in turn
I shall have to excuse myself for my delay
which delay the week darling -- who now lies in
his little crib by my side will have to hear -- for
you know my dear Mrs P just how these things
go -- that is baby tending -- you know their demanx
nds are first & the such as cannot be procrastina-
ted --It is almost a miracle that he sleeps so quietly
to let me write this eve -- for the little one &
myself are left alone this eve -- Emma & Eugene
have gone to Titusville Emma to do a little shopping
& her husband upon business -- It is the first time
Emma has been away except here in our own little
town -- she is now quite strong & healthy helps
considerable about the house when she does not tend
baby -- for he requires the greatest share of either
her time or mine -- Although we do not really
call him a cross child -- but he grows fast very &
(Page 2)
needs a great deal of tending --- he is ^was^ 8 weeks
old yesterday -- weighed 14 pounds one week ago
should like it much if you & Isaac -- yes & Willie
could drop in & see the little fat fellow -- He is
getting so he takes notice of us laughs etc. & we hope
he soon will amuse himself some -- Mrs P you will
excuse this narration of baby -- which has come so
in here in the first part of my letter & let me say
I was exceeding glad to hear how nicely your peo-
-ople were getting along in their business indepen-
dent of any one -- was also so glad to hear the
Lyceum was progressing -- Although you say under-
-some discouragement -- I am sorry for the delin-
quency of some of the teachers -- Oh! that they could
realize more deeply the necessity of being faithful in
training the minds of the young in the principles of love
goodness & virtue -- methinks they would not miss their
attendence -- even -- if they could be fine'd for staying
away -- I think nothing would keep me from being
with you & assisting you in your Lyceum but the
present necessity of my helping Emma & I hope
to come to Rochester ^yet^ after a few weeks more if E &
her babe keeps [sic] well -- hardly an hour passes but
what I think of you my dear friend & the many
happy hours spent in your hospitable mansion
with your own dear family & many other loving
(Page 3)
hearts; - Also the many visits accompanied
by you & those I made alone among
other friends & finally I cannot think of [illegible]
no place but ^ new [?] friends^ I thought I remember with pleasure
& would be so glad to see you all again -- but most
of all would I be ^glad^ to attend the Lyceum -- because I
deem it the most necessary work & a work of the greatest
importance that the age demands -- The work of setting the
mind of children free - or rather allowing ^them^ to remain free &
^and^ so cultivating & ex^p^anding the mind - so that it will not
get warp'd by any creed or befogged by any dogma - is a
work that requires strict & immediate attention - for as I
consider, the Salvation of the Nation depends upon the
training of the youth & children of our land. -- Cora wrote me
of being to ^at^ the Childrens [sic][ national Lyceum in Philadelphia
said she thought much if Mrs Post & Mother could be there
how we would enjoy it -- said she participated & aided
in the exercises & enjoyd it much -- I also rec'v'd another
letter from her some 3 or 4 days since -- stating she was well
had got to Washington fullfiling [sic] her engagement there
had been to Philadelphia the week previous to attend the
Annual Anti-Slavery meeting -- Spoke the last
evening in connection with Philips [sic] -- said no
other speakers were allowed upon [?]that evening -- said
all of the good folks were there -- A Powell Lucretia
(Page 4)
Mott Robert Purvils & many others -- My dear Mrs Post
I do not mean to feel proud of any thing especially of
any thing or person whose gifts are used to aid in the
glorious cause of human progression -- but I do feel
a flow of gratitude welling up from the depths of my
heart to hear that Cora is aiding the Anti Slavery people
& that they are glad to call upon her Although she is a spiritual
medium & comes from the ranks of a kind of people whom they
have almost frownd upon -- Is it encouraging -- Yes truly
Wisdoms [sic] ways are deep & past finding out; by the flesh
illegible. You will excuse me I know if I tell you a little
more of the news that Cora wrote us -- says they were
having a wonderful time with that musical medium
of when she told us when she came from Boston. Jesse
Shepperd -- says he plays equal to Gottschalk or Healbury [?]
& sings like Malibbran [?] or Sontag in a pure Soprano
voice -- They were having many musical seances
among whom were Members of Congress who were
much interested & delighted, She was absent at the
Convention the first week of Congress -- says they will
not do much until after the Holidays. Still both houses
have introduced Resolutions enough mapping out work
enough to keep them busy for one year -- says the 3
absorbing subjects of this session -- will be Indians; Right
of Suffrage equal in all states regardless of sex or
color; & Finances. -- Already the fight about
the Indians has commenced -- 4 Senators & 4 Members of
have each striven for the honor of the Championship
of Womans Cause -- thus the ball keeps rolling -- so that
we will ever hope & repeat ever does right come upper-
most & ever is justice done -- You did not say whether the
Equal Suffrage meeting which commenced at your house continued
Please write me in your next -- I see by the papers that Gov Francis
Train is set at Liberty & has issued writs against the Lord Lieutenant
of Ireland for damages for false imprisonment $100,000 & against
another party for 20,000 -- I suppose he will soon be in
N.Y. If he gains his damages with all the rest of his pretensions
think he will be another man -- How I should have enjoyed the
visit with you at Mr Hebards [?] Thanksgiving day -- we were alone
but thought if you much -- & Now Mrs P _ please Remember us
kindly to the many numerous friends -- whose names are to [sic] numerous
to write because I have not [illegible]
(Page 5)
Truly I was surprised to hear of the death of Mrs
Cornell & Fish -- they must be greatly missed among
their numerous friends but most of all by their companions
I have realized the presence of Phebe Connell [?] upon several
occasions -- & many are the times that spirit friends
visit me & I could penn [sic] a communication for them
had I time & not neglect other duties -- Esther left us for
Lockport some six weeks since said she should go to Battle Creek
about the 1st of dec -- perhaps she made you a visit before she
left us -- but I must stop lest you weary with my lengthy
letter, so I bid you good night, with much love to yourself
(Page 6)
& family -- please let me hear from you soon as
convenient & should be glad to have Isaac & Millie
write some -- ??? you cannot think since the winter
has set in how it brings remembrances of the past
winter spent mostly with you -- & Gp [?] What a contrast in
this secluded retreat -- Although I so much enjoy the
company of Emma & Eugene & baby -- still one wants
to get out some to lectures & etc. Your friend as
ever L. Scott Address
Shamburg Gil[?]-Creek Penn
(Written below, on right side of paper, perpendicular to other writing:)
Emma wishes to be
remembered to you all
& wishes you could see
her nice boy..
(Page 1)
Akron. Jan 26. 1868-
My dear Friend: You manefested [sic] so
much of your old time interest
in me when I called at your house
to say farewell, that I cannot do
less than to send you a line at
this my first opportunity. I had not
travelled far from the sunshine of your
home, before I met the chilling frosts
of that prejudice which has been
the bane of my life. I was positively
refused a berth in the sleeping car from
Buffalo to Cleveland- and threatened with
an old fashoned [sic] "drag out" if I refused
to go out peaceably. High and angry words
passed over me- and for a time, I was
preparing my body for the bruising
in store for me. The loud talk
(Page 2)
between the conductor and myself
brought to the scene a number of
the passengers. Most of whom stood
up manfully for my rights- and this
with my own firmness, brought the
conductor to his senses- He at last
gave me a bed and I slept about
as well as a man can when his
temper has been sorely tried- You
will not regret, my dear friend, when
you review your past, that your life
has been a constant and an earnest
protest against this vile spirit of
caste- I am speaking every night and
travelling every day- I have but little
time for letter writing- Kind Regards to
my friend Isaac- This is a selfish
little note: All about myself-
Truly yours
Frederick Douglass.
(Page 1)
Boston June 23 . 1867.
Sunday Eve 9 . O ‘ClocK =
all alone in my Bachelor
Sanctum
My Kind Friend Amy
I have too
long deferred the pleasing duty
of penning a line in the attempt
to acKnowledge the reviving
influence imparted by my brief
Visit to 36 Sophia Street. -
The presence of Yourself and
Isaac. the trio of Post Boys_
and the pleasant hours
with William and Mary
Hallowell . Sarah and
Edmund P. Willis constitute
a Chapter from which much
Solace will be derived
to cheer my otherwise
lonely Seasons. I need
not Say how I regretted
the Circumstances which
allowed me so Short a time
for Rochester Associations.
(Page 2)
But I must not forget to
be grateful for the rich
treat it afforded me
brief as it was .
I found
FranK and her Six Children
well and apparently
comfortable. I left there
Friday Evening and reached
Worcester Saturday afternoon
Spending Sunday with
Mrs Putnam who and
Mrs Gilliard ^who^ are pleasantly
Situated-
Louisa was
delighted to hear from
You . She is now in daily
expectation of leaving
for the Profile House NH
and is either looKing
for ^a letter^ or getting ready to
write You herself.
(Page 3)
I. found but little opportunity
to attend the New England
Convention or the
Spiritualists Meeting =and
Knew nothing of the
Colored Medium Mrs Wilson
it may be Some one [sic] of my
acquaintance = Andrew T.
Foss presided = but of all
this and of the other
Convention You will learn
from the Standard and
Banner -
a few evenings
Since Wendell Phillips
delivered the lecture
before the John Brown
Division ( of which W.W. Brown
is President-) that He was
to have delivered the
Evening Mr Hallowell
and myself called at
his house 26 Essex Street
[Text aligned vertically along right margin of Page 3]
on the 19th went to
[Text aligned upside down along bottom margin of Page 3 and continues on Page 2]
the Fraternity Picnic at Walden
[Text aligned upside down along bottom margin of Page 2]
woods , Concord . =a beautiful Spot
[Text aligned vertically along left margin of Page 2]
and a delightful time . Ralph Waldo Emerson . A Bronson
[Text continues along top margin of Page 2]
Alcott F . B. Sanborn and other
[Text aligned horizontally across top margin of Page 3]
choice Spirits.
(Page 4)
I had the pleasure of
accompanying him Home
across the Common after
the lecture -
I met Sallie Holley
and Miss Putnam at the
Convention .-
Mr Wetherell formerly
of Rochester and myself
have been for Years in the
habit of meeting and
recently at the Post office
and only a few days Since
did he learn that it was
in Rochester we often passed
each other on the Streets
He speaKs well of the People
there.
A Letter has reached
here from Indiana for
Frederic [sic] Douglass which I
will forward to Rochester -
Please distribute my Kindest
regards to the Rochester Circle
I remain Ever Fraternally Yours Wm C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Jacob, Joseph and Willie were Post's sons. William and Mary Hallowell were Post's son-in-law and step-daughter. Sarah was Post's sister, and Edmund P. Willis was her husband. Frances was one of Nell's sisters. Mrs. Putnam and Mrs. Gilliard were both abolitionists. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Nell refers to the Spiritualist movement. Spiritualists believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. Andrew T. Foss was a lecturer for the Massachusetts Anti- Slavery Society. The Standard and Banner could refer to two newspapers. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. John Brown planned and led the attack on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1859. William Wells Brown was an abolitionist, lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave, and escaped to the North in 1834, where he wrote the first novel by an African American, title- Clotel. Ralph Waldo Emerson was a writer and Transcendentalist. A. Bronson Alcott was a social reformer and a Transcendentalist. Franklin Benjamin Sanborn was also a Transcendentalist, and he helped to fund John Brown's raid. Sallie Holley traveled as an anti-slavery lecturer with Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone and Sarah Remond. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and former slave.
(Page 1)
Farm, Monday P.M,
Dec. 24, 1886
Dear Friend Amy
The house-
hold of Daniel will be
happy to see thee & thy
husband at the Farm
tomorrow (Tuesday) P.M.
And Susan B. in
particular will be very
happy to see thee & both &
plan about Anti Slavery,-
as well as visit -
Yours Truly
Susan B. Anthony
(Page 1)
[Text in left side of top margin, written downward]
My kind
regard to
Mr Post
good
Man
[Text normal]
Dunkirk Jan 16'' 1806
My dear Mrs Amy Post
With pleasure I write you, one reason
is, you asked me to do so, so kindly [illegible] and the other is because
you have been so good to me, during long years of great and
severe trials Thinking you would be glad to hear from me and
know of my doings and journeyings in external and internal
life, I am working every day, since came ^I^ from Rochester in Oct last
washing ironing mending and makeing [sic] clothes for the children
and their father I make butter and bread clean and scrub
and am just as buisy [sic] all of the time I enjoy myself
well am quite happy because I think I am doing a
good work and fullfiling [sic] my destiny and duty and I believe
my ability is equal to the performance of my duty
I am striveing [sic] to Emulate a divine life; feeding my
Spirit on spiritual food being Just Mercifull [sic] and Charitable
good and kind, and above all being truthfull [sic], endeavering [sic] ^to^ live up
to my highest knowledge Dear Mrs Post I see in the
Banner that the Liberator is ceased frome [sic] its labours becaus [sic] it has
consumated [sic] its work, glorious Mission. Dear Garrison; how
faithfull [sic] he has been 35 years constant labour watchings and
untireing [sic] vigilence [sic] what a spirit of true philanthropy he has
ixibited [sic] with all those that he has gatherd [sic] around him and
yet he is not willing to lay his armour by and has gone to
across the briny deep becaus [sic] he loves humanity I see allso [sic]
by the Banner that A L. Foss has joined the spiritual ranks As
(Page 2)
lecturer The good cause is progressing on the wings of the morning
New ones are comeing [sic] in daily, while old and tried loveing [sic] ones
cossing [sic] over to the summer land. this present mode of life
is waneing [sic] but the spirit life growing and unfolding in harmony
wth the laws of its Eternal Being So I hope, I wished to
ask you if you would send me the 2 last copys [sic] of the Liberator
and if you wish I will perserve [sic] them for you and send them ^back &^ if
^I^ dont come that way soon, the standard also would be a great
satisfaction or any others pamphlets or late reading mater [sic]
of any kind that thee can spare Now in regard to that
corner stand Mary Jane was unwilling atlast [sic] ^I should have it^ I most certainly
did understand that I should have it or I should not
have sold it to you the shovel I brought away was it was
packed up and it was so much trouble to find it I can send it
to you it is quite probily [sic] or the 25 cents I want to have things all
right soon as I can I feel Mary Jane was hard with me to be sure
I stayed in her house and she waited on me when I was
sick but was able to wait on myself all of the time ecept [sic]
perhaps 6 days and helpt [sic] her when I could and you know I do
not make much work or trouble when I am ay where
I was not there all of the time I went to Dansville and I bought my
own bread and butter and and [sic] gave her all so, one peck of potatoes
nearly and she had a good many little thing which I cannot
mention now some ribons to [sic] and yet she was so selfish
because I did not give her all she was angry and brought up
every thing ever said that I would not pay her Now I think I
paid her quite ^well^ considering my means and the accomidations [sic] I
received she was poor and I was poor when her father and Mother
and yourself and Mr Post and your brother Joseph and Mary visited her I
(Page 3)
gave her 10 Cents to buy read with and paid her 6 dollars beside
of the rest she had and I think she ought to let you have that
stand unless you choose to let her have it but I I [sic] am not
in a condition to pay you money just now All is for the
best, God or good is very [sic] where, and if we trust in that good and
Justice we shall come [&?] conquor [sic] through truth which we have loved
Cory L. V Scot Daliels [sic] now I see by the Banner, has gone to Boston
and is going south soon So you Rochester will not hear her this
winter I felt most sure [yowld?] not have her there as you
expected Lyman C. How was rejected theres, on the account of his
wife wearing the reform dress So I for one think that Rochester
aught [sic] to wait till it can receive So able a lecturer as Lyman C, How
There are the Richmonds this winter how do the Rochester folks get A
long, do you have circles at your house. please write me all the news
or some at least I shall be so glad to have a letter from thee
I suppose there is Atthenium [sic] lectures once A week who are
the speakers Mr Fred Duglass [sic] is in Washington a candidate
to represent his people, I saw in the Tribune His people are haveing [sic]
hard times being so much abused in every ^case^ Men and Woman
But God is just and His justice cannot allways [sic] tarry This gover-
-ernment [sic] must to justice or we shall all be punised [sic] yet more
severrly [sic] Pain thinking there is yet to be A great battle fought
Old time honered creeds, Theological Myths dogma are crumbling
and must yield to a more congenial and Natural religion what a
glorious gospel and faith is spiritualism how I [illegible] I love its truth
Direct to Dunkirk Cha^u^tauaqua [sic] Co N, Y
Do you hear any thing of Mr King write my name Margaret _
Do you hear any thing form [sic] my Fannie to my Post office adress [sic] Connit
good by [sic], in love from Margaret Connit
(Page 1)
Sanctum, where indeed now
most of my time is occupied
when not in the Post Office
I am hard at worK upon the
new edition of my Colored Patriots
which in augmented chapters
of 1776 and 1812, will contain
a record of Colored american
Services in the present rebellion
I desire to maKe it instrumental
in promoting Equal Suffrage
for Colored citizens throughout
the United States. when
finished I shall feel like
an emancipated man.
and Shall resume perhaps
visiting and public meetings
for this together with some
other considerations have for
many months past kept me
almost a recluse.-
at Post Office
July 27, 1865
Louisa is at the White Mountains with her
Husband=the Nephew Ira= has until
September to serve on board Sabine
now at New London or New YorK
He was at Boston a day a few weeKs
ago. Benjamin Cleggett is now in
(Page 2)
Boston Harbor on board Vanderbilt
I have not Yet seen him though
hardly expecting to. He has never met
Louisas Husband or son.
Harriet and Louisa Jacobs have left
Alexandria and in a few weeKs are expected
to reach Boston : -
My position at the
Post Office is as agreeable as ever
have had recently some reciept [sic] signing
to share will other clerKs= despite
the Dred Scot decision = but You
and Isaac have long since been
aware, that the world does move
some, even though there is Yet work
for the faithful = a struggle
ahead. but Victory just over
the border = press on - Hope
on, Hope ever-
I Knew very well that Isaac & Amy
were still in the enjoyment of thier [sic] Honey Moon [sic]
Somewhat apropos is the following [scrawl]
Robert Newton and Wife
The Rochester Papers mention
David Cunningham corner of Spring and
Fitzhugh Street of of John Browns
men = recently died
Did he Join the Company at
Harper Ferry ? I dont remember
any special account of him.
can tell me any thing? [sic]
[Newspaper clipping pasted onto bottom right corner of Page 2]
A Happy Married Life.
There would be fewer divorces in our world
if all married couples had the spirit of the one
alluded to in the following paragraph:
When Robert Newton, the Wesleyan pulpit
orator, married, he and his bride began the
married life by retiring twice each day to pray
with and for each other. This practice they
kept up, when opportunity served, to the end
of life. Mark the result! When an old man,
Mr Newton remarked: “In the course of a
short time my wife and I shall celebrate the
jubilee of our marriage; and I know not that,
during the fifty years of our union, an unkind
look or an unkind word has ever passed be-
tween us.
[Handwritten text underneath newspaper clipping]
Please remember me
kindly to the
whole Rochester
circle and believe
me ever Fraternally
yours William C. Nell
(Page 1)
Geneva May 15th
Dear “Friend Amy 1865.
I have been
most provoKingly disappointed
in not being able at this
time to reach Rochester.
And the next best thing
attainable is to talK with
to You with Pen InK and Paper
but what a poor substitute
for the Viva Voca = and meeting
You and the Rochester Circle
in Propriae Personae-
I left New YorK on
Thursday Evening 6. O’ClocK by Erie train
of course I Should have taKen the Central
and I thinK Geo Willetts told me So
Soon after leaving Jersey City a Violent
Storm overtooK us . The Lightening
Shattered Trees . breaKing Car windows
and obstructing the tracK by
which were detained Six hours
and by mistaKe or negligence of the
Conductor was carried to Corning
and had to return to Elmira
remain there till 614 . ther [sic] by Car
to Jefferson = Staying there all night
and leaving in the Steamer in the
morning at 8 : reaching Geneva
at Noon Saturday instead of
Friday.
(Page 2)
I should have run up to day [sic] and
remained in - Rochester an hour or two
( being engaged to address the
Ladies Soldiers aid Society )
but unforeseen matters
prevented = and I leave
here tomorrow Morning to be
at my Post office duties =
Having but 8 days Vacation.
I have heard from Louisa
with grateful Satisfaction the
Hospitality and Kindness
She recieved [sic] at 36 Sophia St
and oh how I do long to
be there myself –
How is Mrs Sarah H . Willis
and Mr Willis William & Mary
Hallowell. Jacob. Joseph
and ‘Little Willie” but who
now Judging from his LiKeness
Shown me by Louisa =Little
Willie no longer , Yes
Some longer and thats
Just the long
and Short of it .
and Mary PitKin I want
to hear her play and Sing –
I was Sorry to hear of Isaac
Posts indisposition = tell him
I protest against any Such
arrangement .
[Text aligned vertically along left margin of Page 2]
Those Flowers of Your arranging –very handsome.
(Page 3)
I go for an amendment
of his Constitutions
My remembrances to Mary Johnson
I met Mrs Mary Curtis in
New YorK. and with
Chas Lenox Remond was
carried bacK to Days
Lang Syne in Rochester
-
Come to thinK
I am in an encouraging
State of health and
am Yet a Bachelor .
-
I must defer other
matters = being called to the
meeting
Do send me
a line to Boston.
With Love to all
I remain
Fraternally Yours
William C. Nell.
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. The Latin phrase "viva voce" means lively voice. "in Propriae Personae" translates to in person, or personally. Louisa could refer to either one of Nell's sisters or Louisa Jacobs, the daughter of abolitionist and former slave Harriet Jacobs. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Sarah Willis was Post's sister, and Edmund P. Willis was Post's brother-in-law. William and Mary Hallowell were Post's son-in-law and step-daughter. Jacob, Joseph and Willie were Post's sons. Mary Pitkin took care of Willie as a young boy. Mary Johnson was an African American woman, who worked for the Post family for a period. Mary Curtis was a woman's rights advocate. Charles Lenox Remond was a lecturer and abolitionist. "Auld Lang Syne" was a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song.
(Page 1)
Boston August 20 . 1864.
Dear “Friend Amy Post.
Is my
name erased from thy BooK of
remembrance ? It is indeed
many a day Since I have been
favored with a line from
Rochester over the familiar
and much respected Sign
manual of Amy Post.
I . have a great number of
questions to asK about the
past and present Circle of
36 Sophia St and other localities
in Rochester. but will forego
that purpose in this preliminary
epistle . desiring specially now
but to Know if the old
House remains where it did.
and possessed by Same
accupants [sic] as when Known to
Deponent.
(Page 2)
The Bearer of this Sheet
Maria S . Page . resides in
South Danvers Mass is well
Known to ParKer Pillsbury and
Susan B . Anthony .C. Lenox Remond
and others of antislavery [sic] repute
and is one of my No 1. Friends .
I taKe great pleasure
in the anticipation of an
acquaintance being formed
between her and the
Rochester Friends . . only
wish it was to be my
privilege of being present
at the meeting .-
My health has been
Somewhat out of tune
the past two Years - but I
am Jogging on quite
Comfortably now- as well as
Can be expected under my
Westbury 1st moth 13 [1863]
Dearly beloved Our hearts were made glad yesterday
on the reading of your letter it had been so very long since
we had heard from you we could believe it was the nece
-sary [sic] or rather the engrossing present which interfered with
the duty to the absent and not that any link in interest
or affection had become dim I have taken my pen this
evening with a feelings of intense desire to see you
if that were practicable and as it is not to do the next
best thing invite you to a more frequent use of the pen
Brother said he wanted to hear something of the weather
on L[ong]. I[sland]. we have had a few cold days, but soon have
changed to mild almost spring like weather the past
few days have been very mild a little cloudy on the
whole from reports received the same general mildness
have characterized the past few weeks all through our
northern section 15 [January]I felt when I commenced this very much
in the spirit of writing and when the family retired thought
I would rather sit and write this sheet ^full^ before joining the
sleepers but I soon became so timid after hearing some
one walking and the loud barking of our dog that I has
-tily decampt and in consequence the spirit is gone
There are such a succession of petty thefts and very frequent too
(Page 2)
as to make some of us timid one’s more so We were
very much interested in hearing of M D Conway his lecture
&c he certainly ranks among the first as a writer & speaker
(altho we have never heard him speak) and were delighted
to know you appreciate more fully A M Powell and his
excellent Anna I have scratched the last out as I do not
know but you did appreciate her but it seemed to me
you did not him as he deserved I am now content
It was also cheering to hear so good a word from Frederick
hope his future will continue to grow more bright & steadfas [sic]
in the right – Suppose you have read Phillips last at Music
Hall and do you know he is to say amen to the procla
-mation in NY next week I think we shall desire to be
there if practicable The proclamation is a great act of
justice more than I feared but much less than I hoped &c
whether it will be carried out fully remains to be proved
the sufferings of the escaped slaves in many places is enough
to deter many from the attempt to leave and their habit
of obedience to the slaveholder may prevent asserting their
rights to compensation Their present is full of uncertainty
and peril The orthodox have had a com[mittee] to visit the refu
-gees perhaps you may have seen their report they report
them as very destitute and in some places sick with
measles & some other complaints very many dying some wished
(Page 3)
they were back in their little cabins with the portions of their family
left behind for we would be free there now F D Gage writes very
interesting letters from S[outh] C[arolina] of the condition and progress of the freed ones
there to the Tribune Yesterday was M[onthly] M[eeting] nothing of special
interest [Ardon?] was there and gave a short sermon Rachel
and [Elkanor?] also Gideon Frost & Sam[ue]l Cock dined with us
We then spent the evening at Elizabeth Willets pleasantly
We have recently had a visit from Cyrus [Peirce?] of Bristol
very much to our pleasure and hope profit he is calculated
to interest the young his daughters have opened a boarding
school for girls Do you know Isaac Willis is staying
at Isaac Rushmore’s to be treated by Mary Seaman
I believe it was a great thing to come to it but he
was falling back and nothing seemed to succeed I told
Catharine after he had gone that the world certainly
moved for him to go to ^a^ healing medium and I was
very glad for him to try it very likely it might be the
best mode to be adopted Matilda said yesterday he
was doing nicely Isaac said if he gained flesh any faster
he should think it was not good I hope he may be entirely
restored [Cornelia?] Edward Willets wife NY has been at Dr
Ingersols and the [queer?] of it is they all tried to keep it
a secret where she was When inquired of would say she
was in the country if more explicit staying among the mountains
(Page 4)
but some of the patients have spoken of it so it is out she
is very much improved in health and I think credit is due
to any treatment which makes the sick well The new school
proceedings have not progressed very far have had a meeting
in Phil[adelphi]a this week W Cock & Elizabeth have been do not know what
has been done they have not returned so many minds it is difficult
to suit all The select meeting of NY have brought J J Merritt
case to the monthly meeting for disturbing their meetings with
his communications David S. Brown and J C Griffen are apt
to visit him It is very much to be regretted he has very
many friends among the young people at Brooklyn he
may be eccentric and a little unbalanced but there is
much wh[ich] is good and with the right kind of treatment
might become a reformer in their midst such an one
as is needed there in an especial degree You inquire
after E Mott the same inquiry I have made lately and
no one I asked had seen her very lately so the very day
I received your letter I accompanied J and made a little visit
while he done some business at Roslyn They were well but
she said they had got in the habit of staying at home so
much that little things kept them that James was away
so much of the time it was pleasanter to him to stay than
to go she inquired after you and I was right sorry we had
not received your letter before we went I think I will send it
to her Cornell and Hannah are housekeeping they get to see
them frequently Hannah has felt some lonely Brother
Williams son Jacob had a bad carbuncle on his neck I am
feeling anxious to hear from him William has his fits quite
often and his venturing about alone is a great anxiety
to us all There is a great deal of trouble and anxiety in
the world aint there? I shall try and persuade J to add
somewhat to this wishes to be remembered affectionaly
to all our dear friends wish some of them could visit us Mary [Robbins Post]
(written along top edge of page 1)
16 [January] The weather is very rainy commenced in the night
with high wind but warm scarcely needing fire like winter wind
S.W. very muddy and disagreeable
Moncure Daniel Conway (1832-1907): Unitarian minister; anti-slavery speaker and writer
Aaron Macy Powell (1832-1899): Quaker abolitionist; editor of the National Temperance Advocate and the National Anti-Slavery Standard and a founder of the American Purity Alliance
Frederick: perhaps refers to Frederick Douglass
Wendell Phillips (1811-1884): Garrisonian abolitionist; leading anti-slavery speaker
Emancipation Proclamation: issued by Abraham Lincoln, as Commander-in-Chief, on January 1, 1863; the proclamation freed slaves in Confederate States still under rebellion and areas that came under Union occupation; also freed slaves who had escaped
Frances Dana Barker Gage (1808-1884): abolitionist and author; in October 1862 she went to the Sea Islands of South Carolina to care for recently freed slaves; after November 1863 she began speaking to Northern audiences about the plight of the freedmen
New York Tribune: newspaper edited by abolitionist Horace Greeley
The August 1867 issue of The Friend , pages 247-252 includes a transcription of the interview between John J. Merritt and the committee that was appointed to investigate a complaint brought against him that his “public communications” disturbed the Brooklyn Monthly Meeting
Kings Ferry Oct. 26th 1862
Dear Amy
Thine was duly received and I embrace the first
good quiet time to thank my ever kind friend for a good long letter
long because it embraced much as do all thy letters We have had a
very good time with G B Stebbins his “company and services” have
been a blessing to us in this place as well as at the surrounding
locations where he has spoken the good word for humanity [&c?]
I have particularly enjoyed chatting with him at home – he could give
me a brief but clear acc[oun]t of my dear Rochester fr[ien]ds and in particular the
brothers of his wife whom I had no other way of hearing from also
the visit of Sarah Fish at N.Y. Giles knew how to treat every [part?] just to
the [point?]. It gave me a thrill of pleasure to learn how Margretta [sic] Fox
had been righted by a limb of the Law so as to be able to assume
the name she has a right to – and then Leah is nicely settled and
S Fish was not asham’d to make home with her – how with the start
ing tear Leah said “I must have done some good in the world to de-
serve so good a husband” – then the Quaker parents living next door &c
added to the rest that Caty and her Mother where were the invited guests
of Robert Chamber of the “Edenburg [sic] Review” all this I feel that my
ever dear &c Amy Post have [promoted?] by this untiring patience and per
severance – and I trust the time will come when they will shine as
stars of the 1st magnitude and even now they have such reward
as the selfish know nothing of – on the while I have enjoyed the op-
portunity with Giles every way my children have seen in him a “liv-
ing witness of the true advancement which the spiritualistic
lecturer is able to show forth in all his moves his lecture on
Sunday ^morning^ at 5 [corner?] was a beautiful type of progression and
(Page 2)
included the vast field of both theology and politicks – in the evening
he had also a good Audience and was listened to with attention &c
I rode home 5 miles comfortably he staid [sic] with us only 1 night passing
arround [sic]to different localities and giving us two or three calls during
his stay. We have since witnessed the last hours of our aged friend
Isaac Jacobs [illegible] he finished his earthly work on 5th day night 12 oclock
and to day (sun.) they have taken his remains to the old M.H. [Meeting House] I have re
mained at home as it rains and the ride will be tedius [sic] it would have
pleased us all arround [sic] if we could have had Stebbins here and given
thorough notice of a pleasant day but as he has left and the day is so
wet it is well that de did ^not^ stay I hope he will have a good time at Waterloo
I don’t know where the m[eetin]g will be at the M.H. or village Well we have
attended the funeral of E [Price?] 2 weeks since very sudden was her departure
her children came with the Box also Phebe Willis and a cousin the m[eetin]g was
large as general notice was given and I suppose she had it all as she liked
I thot the [audience ?] and also the preaching was very much as she would
have chosen all the folks were there [Ginny?] Wilbur &c so that Ebenezer was so
warmed up that he kept us 1½ hours listening to a very cursory and unin
teresting string of words without aim or meaning – but I wont waste time or paper
There is some room for hope Philip D [Miree?] and Lucretia Mott have had a
voice in that old tabernacle within a year and we have now been allowed
to open it for Stebbins he is so genial that he got along well – this awful
war is arrousing[sic] our energies and may we be “childlike and pa
tient” – these are the words sounded in the “ear of my soul” and
tho I was sorely tried 2 months since with the prospect of a “draft”
on the Father and brother – yet time and the blessed influence of
Spirits has brought me to a state of calm which I then could
not foresee or even hope for I now can hope as does my dear
Amy
(Page 3)
I now will advert to the payment – I am satisfied for Jacob to
keep the money – and I suppose it will tell on the mortgage
when it was paid but perhaps he may as well sign a note and
give it to Amy Pose to place with the said document I don’t know
as I shall need any of it if I do I can call I have to thank thee
my dear friend for much – Giles tells me thee look smart and I
am sure the world of Rochester needs thee still longer - may thy
old age yet be still more calm is the sincere wish to thy fr[ien]d
S.E.T. HowI look back to my pleasant visits the whole time after I
left Auburn way so entirely pleasant – I had an unusual good
time at my Bro[ther] J.G. he was more genial and my stay was all
thru comfortable my health good [&c?] then at R[ochester]. I had but one draw
back and that was thy poor health – At Uncle Bs I had the most satis
factory visit all arround [sic] a great change was there Uncle was subdued
by the spirit of his daughter E who was herself also subdued by good spir
its (I presume) for I was received in a cordial and even affectionate
manner so unexpected and yet so pleasant – Oh may I not cherish
the [final?] hope and belief that my beloved Aunt has found a home
where she is now appreciated and will continue to exert a
good influence on her family whose different members require
the guidance of Angels – how I did realize while with my
aged Uncle and his darling E. that his evening was more calm
and her task much more efficient thro the aid which now [can?]
be invisibly exerted – My Aunt never was happy here but she
may now be lifted up and her fine talents blest to her and I hope
______ in this sphere I hope my cousin JER visits your “Refuge”
some time and trust that he may not always be so [engrossed?]
as he was while I was with you I regret the necessity of his
condition
(Page 4)
I feel glad for you that thy brother and sister were able to visit you
such reunions are as brooks by the way – I cherish a most grateful
and vivid sense of the kindness received from S. [Willis?] and husband
also M Hallowell who certainly was very thoughtful and
made my exit easy going with me with Sarah the 1st time
and the last time her girl was truly attentive I found
Mrs Knox on the cars she was going to see the last of her Mother
How interesting thy acc[oun]t of Mrs Hamilton I hope she was aided
by her chosen physician – I think of Esther Titus very often and
hope to see her some time
We got letters from Auburn last eve and D writes of her slender
health – Abbey was of later date and more full I seems that
Thomas Collins attended the State Fair in R[ochester] and put up at Marshs
carried a letter for Amy from his Mother and bro[ugh]t it back he had
no one to introduce him to Sophia St. he found Marshs so genial
the girls took him to a lecture I am sorry for their Mother that
Edwin has joined Willy in the Army She has taken great pains
with their education and perhaps her influence will still remain
with them in the exposure morally
Phebe Dean has been with D[illegible?] a few days very acceptably
I have the reading of the “Herald” now and find it very
interesting – My ETJ is much better in health and I
think she must have been benefitted by her journey to NY
she regrets that she did not see WC Nell as he was there
but she did not know how to find him
Abby has very tolerable health and I shall write and send
thy love also the love of her dear companion who tho last in
my letter is one whose dear form I often trace along
the highway of life – I see and fell the sweet influence
which he has exerted and my ardent aspirations are for
you my sweet friends that you may be more & more
more bless’d in [illegible?] and in store as you are [mentally?]
your friend
Sarah E Thayer
Giles Badger Stebbins (1817-1900): abolitionist and spiritualist; married to abolitionist and women’s rights activist, Catherine Fish Stebbins (1823-1904); they lived in Rochester before moving to Michigan after the Civil War.
The Fox sisters, Margaret (1833?-1893) and Catherine (1839?-1892): became famous when they heard mysterious knockings believed to be messages from the spirit world in their Hydesville, NY home in 1848. Isaac and Amy Post were early supporters and arranged the public demonstrations in Rochester
Margaret claimed that she and the Arctic explorer Elisha Kent Kane were married in 1852. After his death in 1857, his family disputed her claim, but promised to give her payments in exchange for Kane’s letters. Perhaps it is this arrangment that Joseph Post alludes to in this letter
Ann Leah Fox (1818?-1890): managed career of her sisters and later also became a spirituralist medium
David Fox? brother of Fox Sisters who lived in Auburn
Lucetia Mott (1793-1880) was a Philadelphia Quaker and well known abolitionist speaker
Westbury 8 mo[n]th 16/62
Dear All Brother’s letter came duly and was
as is ever the case eagerly read and talked over each reg
-retting its brevity and some one suggested if our sending
a larger sheet would not prompt to a return tho I could not
see the difference whether it was as has not unfrequently [sic] been
the case several pieces or a sheet of larger dimensions but a
hint perhaps will be sufficient Events are rushing on ^with^ so much
speed that before I am scarcely aware ^of the extent of wrong [word crossed out]^ something else shocks
or greives [sic] me and surely there is but little to cheer it really
seems as tho we are rushing madly on to ruin without any
wish to save all ^when^ by simply doing justice the course is so plane [sic]
that those who run may read if only disposed There has been
great excitement around us especially among the Irish about
drafting but it has subsided a little and great efforts are being
put forth to raise money sufficent[sic] to prevent the necessity I [Le
cock?] is active a few days ago there had been over $8000 subsc
-ribed a large meeting held at Roslyn to promote it and
volunteering Suppose you have read W Phillips great speech
what a great time the proslavery papers are making over it
you have seen some extracts from them in the Liberator or Standard
I don’t know how it is possible for people to fall so low as to
misrepresent and lie about things which they know to be
false for if they had read it they could not twist it into trea
-son if they did not do violence to all truth & honesty I am
more grieved that some moderate papers should do this wrong the
(Page 2)
vile Herald & Journal of Commerce we did not look for any better
things How unwilling the generals are proved to offend the south
in any way is really disgusting Butler’s correspondence with Phelps
and the return & desertion of the poor defenceless [sic] people who
had faithfully dug the canal at Vicksburg is shocking This
nation must suffer for all these multiplied wrongs for how
long or how severely is not seen as yet I have seen it stated
that since Hunters proclamation was invoked there has been
only defeat and perhaps defeat is the means to bring the
nation to its senses but enough of all this The weather is
delightful have had some extreme hot days with occasional
showers wh[ich] has kept the vegetation green and beautiful I can
not remember when it has been as fresh and beautiful as the
present each day I have rejoiced in the continuation of [this?]
blessing nearly two weeks ago we were at H Willis stayed a
little too long and were out in a very severe shower with alm
-ost constant thunder& lightening the rain came in such
force as to make the horses very unwilling to go we drove
under W Laytons shed and waited until the rain subsided
the lightning stuck in many places some said they saw
4 fires at one time barns one house struck and one person
killed later in the evening I enjoyed ^watching^ the lightning it was the
most remarkable and the most beautiful I ever saw First
came the sheet lightning on the top of it quite high up in
the sky was the forked lightning frequently running in a
horizontal lines at other times it branched or flew off in every
(Page 3)
direction I thought it far surpassed any fireworks I had ever
seen Some few others I hear watched it & thought it remarkably
grand First day have been to meeting but do not feel at all refres
-hed in spirit by any thing I heard but on the contrary all my
combativeness and my sense of right & justice aroused to un
-wonted activity by the discourse from R H she commenced by quot
-ing Be ye perfect as your ^father in^ heaven &c she then told how this was to be
done simply be being obedient to that which made manifest it could
never be in the least promoted by any of the efforts of man we had
many evidences of in the attempts to reform the world wh[ich] had
so signally failed We see it in the efforts of the great and learned ^men^
who labored for a long time to suppress the African slave trade
and after toiling they finally succeeded in it and a great time
of rejoicing was made over it ^and large sums of money expended to guard the [coast?] ^ but after all no one here will deny
that the trade is carried on as extensively as ever and a great deal
more cruelty a little more than a quarter of a century ago the
agitation commenced here in the wisdom and strength of man
to do away with slavery she had heard them say they did not
wait or require revelation to act and we now see the dire result
in the terible[sic] war which was devastating the country filling
the land with mourning for the slain all the result of this
unwise agitation when led by the spirit these effects would
not follow she remembered an instance where a friend
for speaking the truth was menanced [sic] by a man with a sword
he calmly opened his bosom and told him to strike but he qu
-ailed before him J Woolman was greatly interested on the
subject but it was only through duty he acted and the result
was not be stir up wrath and the evil pashions [sic]
(Page 4)
she spoke against agitation against going to hear lectures they were
doing a great deal of harm they had cultivated their minds by study
but it was worse than useless for all these efforts would not promote
peace or diminish the evils in the world &c &c It was sad to think
what a shipwreck she had made once so bright and clear on the
subject of slavery now all befogged uncharitable and ignorant
Last first day we had something of the same nature but on
a different subject then it was that extremes were so dangerous
evidently alluding to J Merritt that only the middle path was
right that Friends believe d thus and so of the bible of Jesus &c &c
that when any thought differently which was their right instead
of remaining with a society they could not agree with let them
withdraw that elders were apt [to?] to council and advise and
when they were persuaded there was a gifft [rift?] it was acknowledged
by the society others should not travel about and much more
of the same still Tonight there is to be a meeting in our school
house to hear the rev Gloucester of Brooklyn I beleive [sic] he is an agent
of the Freed Mens Emancipation society whether there will be [many?]
who will dare to go we shall see after hearing such an able
discourse this morning against listening to lectures- and the
most discourageing [sic] thing of all is if it is not liked it is just
passed over in silence I told Mary F after meeting that E H used
to say if the reason was convinced we need not expect any higher
revelation I told her we all knew what justice was love and kind
-ness and mercy that we need not wait for any special revelation
to practice them – We have lately been to Henry Willets at Manh
-asset they have a very pleasant situation H and Hannah were
from home had gone to Catskill Mountain with several others
Jane happened to be there Aunt Martha Aldridge was very
poorly last week some symptoms of Dysentery Mother pretty
feeble those hot days had to lay a bed but nearly as usual
we do not hear any thing about your coming do bear
us in mind and come when the right time presents it would
be one of the pleasant things to see you again there is
much it is desirable to say we cannot put on paper
E and S[?] too I think it would be a nice time for them
we are now feasting on sweet corn tomatoes & blackberry
I wish you had some of them We are nearly as well as
usual except Catharine she is quite poorly to day but presume
she will be better Joseph looks thiner [sic] than usual but is mostly
pretty well Is Esther Titus with you love to hear and all the rest
I have scribbled as fast as I could have had some callers and so
my time was short affectionatlly [sic] your Mary
[Mary Robbins Post]
Irish draft: The reference to “great excitement around us especially among the Irish about drafting” anticipates the riots that ensued in New York City when the draft was officially initiated the following year (1863). Irish workingmen resented fighting in a war to emancipate African-American slaves who they saw as their greatest competition for jobs.
Roslyn, NY: a village in Nassau County, New York, on the North Shore of Long Island.
Wendell Phillips (1811-1884): Leading orator of the abolitionist movement; critical of Lincoln’s delays to emancipate slaves; in speeches and articles advocated the immediate abolishment of slavery and granting former slaves their full rights as citizens. The August 2, 1862 issue of the National Anti-Slavery Standard reprints a criticism of Phillips’ speech from the Spingfield Register and an endorsement of their criticism from the New York Observer .
Liberator: newspaper published by William Lloyd Garrison between 1831 and 1865
National Anti-Slavery Standard: official weekly newspaper of the American Anti-Slavery Society; published between 1840 and 1870
New York Herald: widely distributed newspaper, published between 1835 and 1924,was critical of Lincoln and his policies during the Civil War
Journal of Commerce: New York City newspaper founded in 1827 by abolitionists Arthur and Lewis Tappan and Samuel F. B. Morse; during the Civil War the paper supported the right of slave states to succeed from the Union—see articles from the New York Times below:
New York Times, April 11, 1861: The Journal of Commerce persists in its championship of Secession. Its hostility towards the Government of the United States is almost as frank and open as that of the Herald.
In March 1862 Secretary of War Stanton suppressed the JOC and arrested its editors for “having flagrantly persisted in the publication of military details, in violation of the Roles and Articles of War, and the orders of the War Department, thereby endangering the safety of our armies and the success of military operations” (NYT March 24, 1862)
Benjamin Franklin Butler (1818-1893) Civil War general; President Lincoln placed him in charge of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina in 1862.
John Smith Phelps (1814-1886)? appointed military governor of Arkansas in July 1862; opposed freeing and arming slaves; Lincoln removed him from office in summer of 1863
Vicksburg canal: During the summer of 1862 a 3,000-man infantry brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Thomas Williams began work on a canal across the base of De Soto Point on the west side of the Mississippi River across from Vicksburg. The purpose of the canal was to develop a channel for navigation that would enable gunboats and transports to bypass the Confederate batteries at Vicksburg.
Work on the canal took a heavy toll of human life. To augment his fast-dwindling workforce, Williams employed some 1,100-1,200 African-Americans that had been gathered from neighboring plantations by armed parties. Work stopped on the canal on July 24 and was later resumed under the command of General U. S. Grant
David Hunter (1802-1886): appointed by President Lincoln in March 1862 to be in charge of Union-held islands along the South Carolina coast; despite official policy, decreed on May 9, 1862 that all slaves inside his lines were "free for ever”; “Hunter’s proclamation” was immediately revoked by Lincoln
Manhasset: a hamlet in Nassau County, NY on the north shore of Long Island
(Page 1)
Boston June 10th 1862
Stopping en route at
Pennsylvania Progressive Friends Meeting-
My Valued Friend Amy Post
What are You
thinKing of me for not before this acKnowledging
Yours of So long ago that I am ashamed
to be particular about the date ? Well ,
the truth is I could and Should have
put away procrastination and talKed with
Your penwise [sic] quite soon after its
reception for now I can never expect to
even glance at the hundred and one .
topics . which are engraved upon my tablet.
of intention = . I allowed myself to
indulge a hope of meeting Some
representative from 36 Sophia Street at
the New YorK annual meeting- where
through much tribulation I succeeded
in reaching but the only Rochester
face that my Vision greeted was
Susan B. Anthony .I was glad to meet
her. but oh how sorry not to
meet You and others of the
meetings You have been informed_
that they were very interesting and
encouraging . as were also the
New England Conventions = the latter
Spiced with a greater Variety of Free Speech.
(Page 2)
Your determination never to grow
old is Just in accordance with my
own. and indeed very few people
thinK me as old as indeed I
happen to be . You need not tell how old
that is =. but then if ^You should it wont harm this old Bachelor.^
Of my situation in the
Post office I have as Yet no progres [sic] to
report except the maKing friends
with most of those in the Various
departments with whom I come in
Contact = the effort of Mr Sumner
and others in Congress to remove
the proscription has thus far been
unsuccessful. People sing the
Same old Song to me.
“ Hope on, Hope ever.”
Francis JacKsons = House is now accupied [sic]
by a Boarding Establishment. Mrs Eddy
has removed to Edinboro Street
How Strange it seems now to pass
31 Hollis Street. and thus call to
mind past associations .
Peace to the memory of the Just.
-
Your Kind invitation to Visit the old
familiar place stirs up many fond
(Page 3)
recollections - _ and as You say = the old arm
Chair [sic] Still Stands in its wanted place behind
the Stove = - ah = That old Arm Chair [sic]!
“ I Love it . I Love it = and who Shall dare
To chide me for loving . that old arm Chair [sic] ,
instead of now writing or attempting to
of the clustering faces and reminiscenses [sic] -
now it suggests . I will waive the
recital until ( I hope before many months)
I may be there in Propriae Personae . to
recur to them Viva Voce with Amy and
the Rochester Circle.
F. D.’s First or Fraternity Lecture = -
Pictures and Progress walKed Very much here
but did not do him as much Justice as Some
other efforts especially his other and later
one. who on the Black Mans Future in the
United States = before the Emancipation League.
Wm W. Brown myself and others had a
free and early Criticism with F. D. in
reference there to .
Mrs Chapman feels that
the worK of Abolitionists = specifically is
done = in that the Nation is aroused to
the question this if I understand
her is the position She now accupies [sic] -
Not but what these are many bunches
of usefulness for antislavery [sic] reformers to worK in
(Page 4)
but thier [sic] main mission is completed.
and hence She retires from active .
participancy [sic].-
Harriet A. Jacobs has left for
Washington with some things for Contrabands
V= also with a view to Selling BooKs.
I thinK She told me. She had not heard
from You or Isaac whether a letter
Containing money from her Brother
ever reached You. -
Louise Jacobs is now at
the White Mountains with Mrs Willis -
By the Bye. glad to hear from the
other Mrs Willis =whom I first
Knew and Shall always remember
as Sarah L. Hallowell .
My Sister Louisa has been Since April 3d
almost inconsolable for the loss of her Little
Girl Gertrude Louise aged 5 Years .
a remarKably bright and interesting Child
She had taKen part at my 5th of March Tableaux
and was preparing in a new Character at the
repetition April 2d. but the Malignant Scarlet
Fever terminated her bodily existence-
My first Exhibition Cost me 80 dollars. Reciepts [sic] 85.
my Repetition Lost me 20 ”
Please distribute my Kind regard to all the
Circle . (oh How I would LiKe to see them).
and believe me Ever Fraternally Yours
William C. Nell.
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. The Progressive Friends meeting refers to an organization dedicated to preserving human rights. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. The New York annual meeting could refer to an abolitionist or equal rights meeting. Susan B. Anthony was a woman's rights leader. Charles Sumner served as Senator from Massachusetts during the Civil War, and as a leader of the Radical Republicans. Francis Jackson was an abolitionist from Boston, who was affiliated with the Boston Vigilance Committee. Mrs. Eddy was Jackson's daughter. The Latin phrase "in Propriae Personae" means in one's own character, or personally. "Viva Voce" translates to a lively voice.
Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and former slave. William Wells Brown was an African American abolitionist, lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave, and escaped to the North in 1834, where he wrote the first novel by an African American, titled- Clotel. Marie Weston Chapman was an abolitionist, who worked with the American Anti-Slavery Society. Harriet Jacobs was an abolitionist and former slave. She wrote the book, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Louisa was her daughter. Cornelia Grinnell Willis and her husband helped Jacobs escape from slavery and employed her for a time. Sarah Willis was Post's sister.
(Page 1)
Monday A.M.
Oct 28/61
Dear Friends
A line from
Parker Pillsbury Saturday
night, said he would be
in Rochester Wednesday
night, or Thursday- stop
with you one night – one
at your Fathers & one at
the farm- If convenient
for you, it would no doubt
be pleasant to him to
[illegible] you to he at the Depot,
should he come Wednesday
on the 7:30 train- it is too
(Page 2)
late & will be too dark
for me to be there- and
my Father will not be
at home- he says
nothing of speaking here,
but- you talk with your
Mother & Father- & see if
they will not ask for the
Universalist Church for
Sunday P.M. for him
to speak in- They may
refuse- I would come & do
the work- but we have not
help that can be left with
mother- who is very feeble -
Yours sincerely – S.B. A.
(Page 1)
Syracuse June 13. ’61.
Dear Friend,
Yours came duly to hand
and I thank you. I hope that we
may be able to get up some meeting
here on the 4th. at least we are to
hold a little meeting for consultation
about it tomorrow ( Friday ) P.M
We ought to ‘celebrate’ not only on 4th
July but also on 1st aug. and 1st
October. Never was there an hour
of such need to speak the truth for
the slave and his cause.
Should rejoice to see the good faces and
hear the ringing words you will have spoken
at Rochester. But that can hardly be,
Trust you will call and see us when
you can.
Right fraternally, Ever yours,
C. D. B. Mills
Charles D. B. Mills, abolitionist and woman's rights activist, writes from Syracuse to Susan B. Anthony, a fellow activist. Mills refers to the date- August 1st- when England abolished slavery from its Empire, and October 1st, when the slave Charles Nalle escaped to freedom with the help of Harriet Tubman and others.
(Page 1)
Boston Oct 26th 1860
Dear Friend Amy Post
There are a few
matters mostly personal of which I now
feel liKe communicating in substance to You:
and first I have at last accepted a
business engagement outside of the antislavery [sic]
office ( a department in Dr Louis’ New
Gymnasium for Ladies and Gentlemen ) and
hence my relations to the scenes and
associations of 20 Years’ past. will ^be^ but
nominal. You Know how such a
remove must be regretted by me . Yet
So far as I can see the circumstances
Justify me in doing or trying to do
Something to improve my pecuniary
condition._
Last Sunday Saml J. May SpoKe
at Music Hall and alluded to its being the
25th anniversary of the Boston Mob.
Mr Garrison and Several of the family
were present= I also on that day
contributed to the Albums of FranKie
and Fannie Garrison =. writing at the
anti slavery [sic] office and in his BooK
(Page 2)
noting many pertinent reminiscenses.
In Fannies BooK. I quoted from a
Liberator Letter of mine written at 36
Sophia St Rochester Feb 1852. = and
winding up with the fact of Your
Sarah Hallowell and my influencing
Sallie Holley to Join the New England
Abolitionists = ( which of course is fresh on
Your tablet of memory.-
A few weeKs since for the first
time I engaged in public discussion
in advocacy of Spiritualism in which
as You may readily suppose I secured
attention by Culling largely from my
Rochester Chapter of experience and
observation = I had Some hard ones
opposed and many who favored
and sympathized = It was a
regular Fraternity Discussion and
accupied [sic] two Evenings. Once in a
while some of us participate [sic] in
Sitting Circle = last Sunday Evening
at Louisas with Geo T. Downing
Ira and Louisa Mrs Oliver and
myself all Spiritualists and had a
Satisfactory time.-
(Page 3)
[Two lines of text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 3, extending across to top margin of Page 2]
You will recieve [sic] a Copy of Dr Louis Monthly / The Institution is a few doors from
Wendell . Phillips House .
Harriet Jacobs BooK will be
published in November by
Thayer and Eldridge Title
- Incidents in a Slave Girls Life
or Seven Years concealments^ed^
in Slavery ( I . believe ) -
Louise is Yet at Dr Birminghams
doing well.-
I suppose You recieved [sic]
a copy of my New YorK Suffrage Pamphlet.
I shall be obliged to pay more than
half the Printers Bill out of my own
pocKet = Gerrit Smith has subscribed
5 dollars and Saml J. May bought
two hundred.-
But I ^have^ done with Public
matters of this Kind at least.
My experience has been indeed a
dear bought one. -
I wish it was my
good fortune to Spend a few days
with You and the Circle in Rochester
this fall. But really I dont Know
when that pleasure will be mine.
(Page 4)
when next You write please
tell me news of all.-
-
Mr Phillips is Yet feeble -
Francis JacKson has been sicK
for Several WeeKs -
Mr Garrison is in rather poor
health = does not attend
meetings out of the City -
Saml May J is also unwell
Spends most of the time at
Leicester.-
I am myself ordinarily
well. = and trust this
will find You and all in
exellent [sic] Spiritual and bodily
health. Please distribute my
love after Your own approved
method and believe me
Fraternally Yours William C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Samuel J. May was a radical reformer, who advocated for women's rights, access to education and the abolition of slavery. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. Nell refers to the mob of October 21, 1835, when the Boston Female Society announced that the British orator, George Thompson would be addressing their meeting. Pro-slavery forces threatened violence and Garrison spoke in Thompson's place. On the day of the event, a lynch mob formed and tried to drag Garrison away, but he escaped.
Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Sarah Hallowell was Post's sister. Sallie Holley traveled the anti-slavery lecture circuit with Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone and Sarah Remond. Spiritualists believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. George T. Downing was an abolitionist. Louisa was Nell's sister, and Ira refers either to her husband or her son. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. Harriet Jacobs was an abolitionist and former slave. Louisa was her daughter. Gerrit Smith was an abolitionist. Francis Jackson was an abolitionist from Boston, who was affiliated with the Boston Vigilance Committee.
(Page 1)
Wayland, Aug. 13th 1860
Dear Mrs. Jacobs,
I have been busy with
your M.S. ever since I saw you; and
have only done one third of it. I have
very little occasion to alter the language,
which is wonderfully good, for one
whose opportunities for education have
been so limited. The events are in-
-teresting, and well told; the remarks
are also good, and to the purpose.
But I am copying a great deal of it,
for the purpose of transposing sentences
and pages, so as to bring the story into
continuous order, and the remarks into
appropriate places. I think you will
see that this renders the story much
more clear and entertaining.
I should not take so much pains, if
I did not consider the book unusually
(Page 2)
interesting, and likely to do much
service to the Anti-Slavery cause.
So you need not feel under great
personal obligations. You know I would
go through fire and water to help give
a blow to Slavery. I suppose you
will want to see the M.S after I
have exercised my bump of mental
order upon it; and I will send it
wherever you direct, a fortnight hence.
My object in writing at
this time is to ask you to write what
you can recollect of the outrages com-
-mitted on the colored people, in Nat
Turner’s time. You say the reader
would not believe what you saw
“inflicted on men, women, and children,
without the slightest ground of suspicion
against them.” What were those inflic-
-tions? Were any tortured to make them
confess? and how? Where [sic] any killed?
Please write down some of the most
striking particulars, and let me have
(Page 3)
them to insert.
I think the last Chapter, about
John Brown, had better be omitted.
It does not naturally come into your
story, and the M.S. is already too long.
Nothing can be so appropriate to end
with, as the death of your grand mother [sic].
Mr. Child desires to be respectfully
remembered to you.
Very cordially you friend,
L. Maria Child
(Page 1)
Sunday Night } all alone in my BacheLor Sanctum
10 .O. ClocK No 20 Grove St
Boston July 8th 1860
Dear Friend
Amy Post
I was delighted on
recieving [sic] Your Kind favor of June 23D and
would have been exceedingly happy if I
Could have Visited Rochester from Geneva
Last May. . for I want a Long talK
with You on matters and things
Old and New. I had an impression
by the way that Several boarders now
domicilled [sic] at 36 Sophia Street . but Your
letter intimates that the Household is
now more than ordinarily Small.
So “our Mary Ann = returned
quite soon home to her Post.
I was anticipating the pleasure of
Showing her the Lions in Boston
when the Sequel of Your letter
announced. Presto Change.
the Wanderer had returned her
^her steps^ to pour forth her musical notes
to an audience of Amy .
Isaac Post and. Co -
To day [sic] Emerson held forth at
Music Hall. next Sunday Geo Wm Curtis
(Page 2)
discourses = = and then the Hall will be
Closed for six weeKs probably.
How I do wish You could
see our new antislavery [sic] office - = nearly twice
as large as the old one and every way a
handsome apartment = please Call in
You and Isaac as You pass this way
Be sure and not pass on the other side
When You do come to Boston We Shall see
to it. That no mistaKes or shortcomings of
hospitality shall attend Your path.
I am Sorry that Rochester Free
meetings are discontinued = but thier [sic] influence
lives and is active -. the seed planted
by faithful hands has germinated and
the fruit will Yet be so abundant as to
Call down blessings on those who
^sustained them^ So long through good and evil report
Mr Garrison has deferred his
Visit to England = his health seems renewed
Mr May who intended to accompany him is
in rather a feeble State of health Just now.
Mrs Phillips as Mr Phillips says
is very poorly. and is now at Billerica for
the Summer. =
I was present at the
Womans Rights Convention and indeed
there as at Boston was one of the Ticket agents
(Page 3)
I appreciate Your Views in regard
to the platform and hope for the
“restoration to freedom of speech predicted
by You.
Wm Wells Brown is quite pleasantly
situated in a nice little Cottage . beside
[his?] Father in Law = = Mrs Brown is a nice
little wife . I have Known her from
early Childhood = = they live in
Cambridgeport Just out of Boston.
You _ask about my intended
I cannot answer definitely .
I have Just recieved [sic] a letter from
Caroline Remond Putnam dated London
June 20th intimating quite Soon the return
Home of herself and Mrs Sarah L= Smith .
More anon.
[Two lines of text aligned vertically along left margin of Page 3]
Louise Jacobs always reciprocate [sic]
Your Kind expressions.
You asK If I often see Louise M. Jacobs
I do. . She is well and doing well
as ClerK in a Large Indian Botanical
Drug establishment = She is Justly
esteemed very highly = I have not
written to her Mother for a long
while . but Keep promising myself
to do so . I hear that her Son
Joseph is quite sicK in Australia.
(Page 4)
I really hope nothing will prevent
my Visit to Rochester as anticipated
my impression now is that it
will be in September . but I
am not sure = as it depends
Somewhat upon my arrangement
for meetings Vc but You shall
hear from me -
Dr Trimblety = has recently
left Boston . - he remained here
about eight months = and created
quite a sensation with his Hounds
His Indian Signs Vc
Monday Eve
at anti Slavery [sic] office .
We have to day [sic] been honored with
the Company of John Brown Jr.
Barclay CoppocK . and Thaddeus
Hyatt ==
Please distribute my
Kind regards among the entire
Rochester Circle = My Sister Louisa
Sends greeting = Her Son Ira
progresses finely in learning his trade
as Card Engraver and is quite aspiring
Much more to say. but will reserve it for next time
remaining Fraternally Yours
William C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Mary Ann could refer to Mary Ann Pitkin, who lived with the Post family and took care of their youngest son, Willie, or Mary Ann Johnson who was employed by the Post family. Ralph Waldo Emerson was a writer, Transcendentalist and an abolitionist. George William Curtis was a Transcendentalist and a political leader of the Republican Party. The Rochester Free meetings could refer to an abolitionist group. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. Samuel J. May was a radical reformer, who advocated for women's rights, access to education and the abolition of slavery. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. His wife, Anne Terry, was a member of the Boston Anti-Slavery Society. Nell refers to the Tenth National Woman's Rights Convention, held on May 11, 1860. William Wells Brown was an African American abolitionist, lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave, and escaped to the North in 1834, where he wrote the first novel by an African American titled- Clotel. Caroline Remond Putnam was married to Joseph Putnam and was the sister of abolitionist, Charles Lenox Remond. Louisa Jacobs was abolitionist and former slave, Harriet Jacobs's daughter. John Brown Jr. was the son of the late John Brown, who led the raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859. Barclay Coppock participated in the raid. Thaddeus Hyatt helped to support the Brown family after John Brown was executed.
(Page 1)
2 sheet
I have therefore been compelled
to do a good deal of preparatory
work- in the way of making
appointments. I find my
war views decidedly objected to
by my old Garrisonian friends
in England. This is the more
rediculous [sic] since the Garrisonians
in America are so deeply
interested in the whole Brown
invasion- now. I have no doubt,
that Dear Isaac- your husband,
stands his ground well on the
peace question – armed all the
warlike utterances of his
Garrison friends.
(Page 2)
I have not yet found
time, though I have often
had the inclination to write
to our mutual friend Mrs
C. She must be much engaged
just now with the movement
of the American Antislavery
Society in Western New York.
I desire to be very cordially
remembered to William Hallowell
and Mary- his wife. It was
very kind of him to make
a call when at the
bridge- The hight [sic] of him
was very refreshing to
me- and look back to the
time spent there
(Page 3)
all the more pleasantly because
his visit to me.
you would have smiled
if you had been in Leeds
a few Evenings ago- when
Sarah Remond- and Caroline
her sister- and myself appeared
upon the same antislavery
platform- I think it must
have been imbarrassing [sic] to
Miss Sarah- though she did
not rebel- we both spoke-
she with her accustomed
calmness- and I- whatever
you please- The audience
was much pleased with
the two blacks from America
(Page 4)
I am- now stopping with a
family of much intelligence,
wealth and refinements. The
Lady of the House is the daughter
of the celebrated Dr Arnold- and
her husband Mr W. H Forster
is the son of the Wel Forsters
who came over to America
to heal the difficulties
among friends at Richmond
Indianna [sic]. Mr Forster the
son is not now a quaker
but is quite a militery [sic]-
I was out with him
yesterday shooting at
a mark- He is a capital
shot and is prepared to
(Page 5)
defend his country from the Friend
French- and from any body else
who may be disposed to
make an attack. I found
my old friend Julia quite glad,
of course to see me- and
what was of equal importance,
her husband too, That is
Theires [sic] is one of my homes
while I stay in England-
indeed it is my main home-
though I have many homes
here- where I am regarded
and cared for- The life however
is high- full of intelligence,
faith and dignity and is
(Page 6)
at sometimes a trifle
more reserved that I
like. But you know
that I am so amiable
that people will sometimes
allow me a little more
freedom- than they allow
to most men. I sometimes
make even the dignified
quakers to laugh and feel
funny just like other people,
which you know is very
unfavorable to stiffness.
I should like to know that
you get these flying lines
and for this purpose- I
(Page 7)
you will write to me- Care
Rev. R. L. Carpenter
Halifax Yorkshire
England.
I am under the necessity
of making all my correspond-
ents pay double postage
for I cannot in the
present condition of
funds do else.
Remember me kindly
to Mrs C. and all inquiring
friends yours Truly
And affectionately
Fredk Douglass
(Page 8)
Give my love to Isaac-
and tell him that he is
always affectionately
remembered-
I wish you all
a most happy New year
Excuse this miserable
scrawl-
F.D
(Page 1)
[Text aligned horizontally on top of first page]
Thy good son Lewis is the
only one of the family
that I have seen
since my return
they seem to be all well
and as far as these
honouring [sic] their father
by well doing- do
write me again
immediately, and
I shall again be
inexplicably
grateful
I shall
want to
hear of
this come
to thee
safely
Rochester Feb 13th 1860
My Dear Friend Frederick Douglass
Last evening about nine oclock [sic]
my heart was made glad by the reception of a
letter from thy hand, and I hardly knew how
to let the night pass without improving the privilege
of replying to it, it seemed to me it had been long
on its way, and I had been hoping some time, that
the time for the promised letter, was not much farther
in the distance, the time seemed very long before we
received the tidings of thy safe arrival ^in England^ and then I have
been from home two months, and did not even have
the privilege of reading thy letters in Frederick Douglass
Paper, until some time after they ^it^ were published, therefore
after such a death thee will not wonder that thy letter
was especially welcom [sic], and my heartfelt thanks may
be understood by my immediate response, if in no other
way. I am truly thankful to thee, dear friend for what
thee said on the first sheet of thy letter, But I do not know
(Page 2)
what to say myself- only ^looking on the brighter side to say^ that I am so sorry, that
we have lost five years of beautiful joyous friendship.
and my strongest wish is, that thee may return just
what thee was when we last parted. How dearly
I love to recur to the many many pleasures of our friend
ship dear devine [sic] friendship and especially to the few
hours of charming- holy hours of that day we spent last
together there are several spots, more thinking in the
recollection than the rest- but I need not now name them.
“The end crowns all” in that case, is a solacing saying.
I have been sad- very sad over many errors of my life, but I
believe them so mixed with good, that I am very hopeful
but Oh if I had as much good to look back upon- the
result of my labours [sic], as thou hast– did as few errors
I should think I had always been a blessing. dear Frederick
be no more sad about all the scenes of the past, so unspeak
-ably painful, we will all resolve to be unspeakably good.
and happy again, when we must. Well- when will
thee be home? I never forget that high way of holiness, which
I promised to help thou up for thy safe footsteps ^on thy return^, I assure thee
if prayers will do anything towards it, it will be in readings for
thee in less than six months, thy aloted [sic] time of absence, only think ^if^
(Page 3)
just half the time has passed, I sincerely hope there will be
neither need, or desire on thy part to protract the time
ofor thy visit, I presume thee watches with so much anxiety,
and gets with the same accuracy, the proceeding at Wash-
ington- Virginia, &c as we do. Therefore I need only to say that the
signes [sic], favoring thy safety, here are favourable, hopeful. I am
happy to hear of thy kind and cordial reception from thy
old as well new friends, of which- I have ^never^ had a doubts,
for great and good people, generally find it easy to make
friends, sometimes, even out of former enemies, but how is it
that ^thy^ friend Foster should have been a Quaker, and not have dis-
covered, that to be a peace man, brings so much more happi-
-ness to the soul- I hope thee will, be true to the promptings of
thy own nature, and labour [sic] to show him his error. I have
no objection to your amusing yourselves by shouting at a mark
provided the mark is not a man.Frederick, the [sic] never saw
my Father. I had hoped that thee would, but it is to [sic] late now
he has passed beyond the vail [sic], As soon as we received Tidings
of his increasing illness, I made haste to get to him, Willie and I
took the first train, which left here at six oclock [sic] on the evening of the
John Brown, sympathy meeting, which I was anxious to present at
and move but did not like to delay, but father had peacefully
(Page 4)
closed his life here, two hours [on?] we could reach there
I experienced no regrets, no sorrow- ^for I know he was happy in the change^ but it brought a sad
and lonely feeling to see both parental chairs empty- and
the thought of hearing their paternal- loving greetings
no more sounding on my ear, produced many serious
reflections, as well as recalled many joyous and interesting
recollections, His age was ninety four years and four months
he and our mother lived 64 years together, and 5 lonely
years he has passed without her- but now they have met to
part no more. Isaac came down and spent two weeks
and then left Willie and I in Jersey City, between which
place and New York we spent three weeks, I stayed for the
purpose of medical treatment , having been much out of
health, previous to my Long Island visit= and ^I ^kept Willie for
company, George Willitts and many others made affectionate
enquiries for thee. I stayed most of my time with ^at^ Daniel
Underhills, who has married the eldest daughter of the
Fox family- she has a delightful home of their own, a
good husband, with wealth and refinement, I never saw
her as happy as now- she is not before the spiritual investigating
public now, though her medium ship [sic] is the same, now dont [sic]
let me feel as if thee is casting the lip of unbelief, Through their
(Page 5)
introduction I made one very agreeable, new
acquaintance, a gentleman and his wife- living
at New Rochelle- about 20 miles east of New York.
We accepted an invitation to spend a day or two
with them, and set out in a most dashing shower
of blessed raine [sic], but as the Locomotive waits for no one
after set times- and we were anticipating too
much pleasure to be disappointed, we went on,
trusting to the good sense of the gentleman to meet us
at the Depot. & behold he was there with his fine sleigh
and horse; and we were soon safely landed under their
pleasant and hospitable shelter, every eye brightly beaming
well childrens [sic] hands claping [sic] with delight. In the
night the rain ceased, and by mornings dawn the clouds
had all dispersed, and every tree and street looked
as if an Angel had passed by that way and left its
beautiful frost blossoms upon them all, but to be
brief- in all this splendor, and iceseckle [sic] glitter ^driping [sic]^ in a sun
-shine of almost summer mildness, we took a charming
sleigh ride- Oh! The highways and winding byways [obliterated]
(Page 6)
almost canopied with those beautifully decked trees, leading
to the Long Island Sound- and the many neatly ornamented
and some both neat and magnificent dwellings, made it
a ride of more than common interest, when we arrived at the
grave of Thomas Paine we all alighted, so as to press our
feet upon the soil this gifted man, so oft had trod. but I
shall grow tedious or I would tell thee of the superstition, after
all ^sects^ refusing to give him a burial, the purchaser of his farm, upon
which he was buried; years after, refused to let their friends pass
over his land, to erect a moment of his memory, though the
space was only three feet from the highway- so there stands the
moment as near to the grave (as the highway) as they could place
it. Thus it stands there a moment, not only of the genius of
one man, but of the ignorance and superstition of many.
Frederick, I wish thee could have been with us, but, at once,
I think, how many places of greater beauty- and more
thrilling interest, thy feet will press- thy eyes behold and thee
emotions of thy soul enjoy- well, please remember them all
and if I do not get the benefit of them previous to thy return,
then, live them on again, by repeating them to me-
Thy friend Susan Humphrey stayed here through my absence
and is still here, her friend from Chicago came last evening
(Page 7)
he is quite a dashing beau, elegant- and polished, just
such an one as I should suppose would take her attention
but whether he would continue to fill the void in her
soul, Is the great problem to be solved- she says that altho’
thee did not mention her, she doesn’t believe thee has forgotten
her, and wished me to say that she often thinks of thee kindly &
admiringly; and wishes thee a safe return. I have not seen
our mutual friend Mrs Colman since about the middle
of November, she has been busy, as thee anticipates, but I am
sorry to say, not as thee supposes in the Anti Slavery ranks, but
under the less desirable auspices of Wendall- Lucy & Susan
she is “alone, at present I believe, but she so seldom writes
either to me or her children, that we are left to wonder
where she is- I believe she must have arrived in Jersey City
the very day I left there, she was ^their^ [sic] with thy German friend, the
last letter ^[from announced?]^ I was very sorry to miss of seeing her, and I thought
too of trying to call upon Miss A-- but I did not feel myself quite
well enough acquainted, I assure thee I did smile right
joyously when I heard of Miss Remond, and thyself upon the same
platform, ah, I hope it will make way for many other reuni-
ons, of old friends who never should have been separated. Isaac
desires his love to thee, and says tell Frederick that it seems to him
(page 8)
as if he will not wish to stay very long away, and from all
the evidence yet adduced thee can return with safety as soon
as thee chooses, and he says tell thee that John Brown was a
great man, viewing him from Moses, and his own stand
point. but how is it when compared with the life of Jesus?
but I must not argue this question with thee now, but Oh dear
what a hurry I am on to see this relick [sic] of barbarism pass away
from some few minds, in the circle of my friends! Thee may tell
thy friend Foster, that we had the honor of the company of William
Foster company under our roof some three weeks, when he was in
this country- he was engaged in visiting the families of friends
in Scipio Monthly Meeting, I presume he was an Uncle of his.
Willie thought then, that there ever would be any family reciproci
-ty ^excuse me for classing this as one of our family^ I have had no opportunity to deliver thy message of love & to Willies
and Mary, but I know they would wish to return a similar message to
thee- William has spoken of his time spent at the Falls with thee ^a thought^ as the
most pleasant of his life. They as all others amongst thy friends
I believe are in usual health- Asa & [Halda?] have called and wish
us to come and spend a day with them this week, Cate Stebbins is
expected this week- I well know how to sympathise [sic] with her in the
loss of their darling little daughter. Girty has just called and
seems well and in fine spirits, though wishing much to see her
mother. Please give my love to ^Miss^ Julia Croffts, tell her there is
much which we have known, to make us love each other
and the rest should forgotten- I think thee will say when thee
opens this letter, well here is a job, but I shall not feel bad
about it, for I know thee knows better than to undertake to
read it when thee is in a hurry. I hope I shall get more
letters from thee if the [sic] has not promised to write more than one.
Mary Ann dreamed last night, that thee was here in our parlour [sic]
I have twice dreamed the same- I thought thee said six weeks was long
enough for thee to stay in England, Oh how much I want to say, but
dear Frederick adieu true always
Amy Kirby Post, an activist, is writing from Rochester, New York to Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist leader. Post refers to Douglass's arrival in England, which followed John Brown's raid on the armory at Harpers Ferry. Pro-slavery factions charged that Douglass had conspired with Brown to raid the armory, and Douglass fled to England. Post mentions Douglass's newspaper, formerly called the North Star, then called the Frederick Douglass Newspaper.
Post continues and refers to Shakespear's play Troilus and Cressida, with the phrase "the end crowns all".
Post mentions their mutual friend, Stephen Foster.
Post refers to her husband Isaac, and their youngest son Willie, and their relative George Willetts. Post mentions Daniel Underhill, and his new wife, Leah Fox. Fox was one of the founders of Spiritualism- a religious practice, whose believers spoke to the dead through mediums.
Post mentions Thomas Paine, the great American writer and orator, who wrote Common Sense in 1776. Post also mentions Lucy N. Coleman, a fellow abolitionist, Miss Remond- the wife of abolitionist, George Lenox Remond.
Post concludes and passes on the best wishes of her husband, Isaac, her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William Hallowell. She mentions abolitionist Catherine Stebbins.
Post sends her best regards to Miss Julia Croffts, who lectured with Douglass.
(Page 1)
37 Maiden Lane
Albany Jan 28/ 11
Dear Amy
I left with
you my petition with
the few signatures, with
you- Will you get as
many more names as you
can, and send it it on
to me certainly by Monday
nights mail ? – I wish you
could get the names of a
few prominent business men
lawyers, judges, etc- there would
(Page 2)
be no difficulty in
obtaining them, so only,
some one [sic] will present the
petition to them- as yet
there are very few petitions -
of you go to those prominent
men of the Press & the bar,
take a new copy of
Petition- that their names
may be together & head the
list- Thus the Legislature
will be more strongly im-
pressed, than merely with
our “fanatic” names-
But don’t fail to forward
me all you have by Monday
night-
Antoinette left for New-
(Page 3)
York yesterday A.M
her meeting at Auburn
very small- not one hundred
people- barely paying hall
rent- but Mr. Wright in
sisted on paying the adver
tising & Poster bills- hence
she paid no money out-
We had delightful visits
with Mrs. Stanton & Mrs.
Wright- Find Lydia & Jane
& Phebe Jones & the [Fopps?] all
well- had a very pleasant
social gathering at Phebe’s
Wednesday evening for An-
toinette- Met the English
friend Phillip D. Carpenter
(Page 4)
who has made so
valuable a contribution of
of [sic] California shells to our
state Geological department
Letter from P. Pillsbury this
A.M says the Boston Festival
numbered 12 or 1400- was the
grandest gathering of talent
wit & beauty - & they the say
the receips [sic] equal those of
their best Buzar[sic] success -
- the whole a triumph-
M.W. Chapman must feel
proud of her wisdom-
I wish you all could
be at the Albany Convention-
Phillips to speak Monday
night - Yours Truly
Susan B Anthony
Susan B. Anthony, a woman’s rights activist, writes from Albany to fellow activist, Amy Post. Antoinette Brown was one of the first female ministers in the United States. Francis Wright was an activist and the husband of woman's rights leader, Paulina Wright. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lydia, Jane and Phebe Jones were all women's rights activists. Parker Pillsbury was an abolitionist leader. Maria Weston Chapman was also an abolitionist. Anthony refers to the National Woman's Rights convention, held in Albany, New York on February 12, 1861.
(Page 1)
Dear All Fourth day afternoon
As we used in the long past to comme
-nce with “I embrace this opportunity” so now I lay down
my mending of which I have quite a pile to send a
line by Willet who talks now of leaving here in the
morning and has gone today to make some farewel [sic]visit
I told him he should go to J Rushmores and Marys uncle [James?]
too if he had time I said the large boys leaving school unse
-ttled him but I thought after that letter had gone that it was
not so much that as the information that he could go in the
store which had made him so But here comes J with the paper
and what is better still a letter from Rochester I have read the
interesting letter and it was just what we wanted to know
only a great many questions arose which were not answered
we have been so anxious about you all fearing it was even
worse than it appears. Bad enough it is no doubt I am
so glad brother did not attempt to go through the wa
-ter ^to^ the store he has so much courage It might have
been a fatal experiment It seems to me we have cause
for thankfulnesss that you are all spared when there was
so much danger and how remarkable so few lives lost
It must baffle description the wild fury of the rushing water
I really don’t remember what pittiful [sic]story I told that mad [sic]
you think my “physical powers were so tossed about as to
present any exercising my brilliant talents” I remember
I had a headache when I wrote but that is so common an occ
-urrence that I did not know as I told of it and you
all know that care does not rest as lightly on me as on
many others and I guess I am failing for mole hills
(Page 2)
are somewhat like mountains nowadays but
I am trying to be as young as I can Charles Titus’s
and Henry Posts daughters came after school to stay the nig^ht^
in the house The girls are at Jericho for a few days
Last night we had a scientific lecture small audience
it might have interested me had I been learned enough
to understand it On next sixth day night J D Hicks gives
a lecture on natural ^history^ Next week we have one on the Warfare
of [Truth ?] This week every evening has been occupied except
lst and 5th Speaking of M Rushmore I don’t know as it is
a cancer on her eye and S Fishs remedy was published in
the Herald of Progress some years ago and Phebe Titus Henrys
wife tried it for a long time she is pretty poorly now
Sarah Whitson is the wife of Abraham Whitsons son Charles she
is very poorly has gone home but her head is very much
distressed probably from the same cause and little
hope of recovery I suppose you had heard of J Motts
sale it has been so long ago I believe it was sold for a
division I felt differently from thee about its being sold
so long as it was held together and with the feeling
in relation to it there would be no improvement around
and it looked very much out of repair Mary F
Titus told me to day they called to see E last first
day they had got moved and partly settled the house
quite small but looked comfortable no doubt
there will be some addition or change to make it
commodious enough I proposed going to see her a
few days ago but Joseph was not going quite so far
in the village Our teacher is going to leave possibly
very soon her brother from Illinois is expected soon
when he comes she will and perhaps go home with
him for the summer uncertain about her return
here Don’t know who will teach perhaps Esther Post
(Page 3)
3 Catharine Post went today to Willets Point
there are 12 or 1400 wounded there now mostly from
Shermans army little luxuries and comforts are
still needed arm slings pads &c are frequently ask
-ed for It is at a fearful cost this war is carried on
so many maimed and shattered for life to say
nothing of the unnumbered dead and the many
who sit solitary and alone desponding in their
great bereavements of any coming joy to brighten
their future home life only the great joy of its
being the means of freedom and blessedness to
millions who with praise and thanksgiving
receive the great boon can lighten the drear
present Does it not seem very wonderful so
much has been effected such a mighty change
in public sentiment but I fear sometimes it is
only with many a transient feeling not deep
and sincere borne along by the impulse of the
moment and liable to be washed out by the next ^wave^
(Page 4)
4 It appears the Liberator is to be concluded the pres
-ent year its mission being ended by the entire
abolition of slavery - This may be propper [sic] but I fear
there will be great need of outspoken and vigilant
efforts to guard the freedpeople and their rights from the
unprincipled who do abound all over I fear there
are many like those L Coleman spoke of under the
pretence [sic] of philanthropy are cruelly injuring them
it is so praiseworthy to go among them they are
looked at as being true misionarys [sic] of good that
many go who have no real interest in them
Phebe Rushmore is delighted with being at Norfolk
but she enjoys most of all going to their houses to
talk with them - I have not seen any of her letters
they are said to be very interesting In one she said
she should think more of the Irish than ever she had
3 or 4 to clean a room they were so slow and stupid
^and she had to stand over them all the time^
one Irish woman would have done more than all of them
she teaches sewing and general housekeeping cleanli
-ness &c I thought I would not take a large piece of paper
[Text continues vertically along right edge]
as it would be sufficient
(Page 5)
Isaac Ketcham it has been reported had sold his
farm but think it must be a mistake as we hear
nothing further Mitchel Ladd and Co have failed
to a very large amount report says 600 000 Stephen
Post one of the firm they have been doing a dashing
business and very many had expected the results only
it came sooner than was anticipated they had Hen^ry^
[Lydias?] and Edmunds money and we hear they are
paid off and the house Tho^mas^ Ladd bought last spring
for 30 000 $ belongs to his wife and his farm in Ohio
mortgaged to Isaac Gifford for money he had given
Hannah I don’t know as these are facts only report
so don’t speak of them to any until it is ascertained
to be true perhaps this is the way I don’t know
how business is done it does not quite square with
a certain rule laid down some centuries past which
whatsoever &c You speak of its being quite cold
it has been different here quite spring like our
folks have sowed oats and people are preparing and
(Page 1)
New York
June 18th
My Dear Friends
I have just recieved [sic]
as [sic] letter from my Brother
and one enclosed to his
friend Mr Post- as it
was not under cover I
read it myself I then
read mine which was
only a few scolding
lines- because I had not
sent ^my Book^ to different people
in England- in the first
place it cost too much
to send then while in
debt, and in the next
I did not care to give
it a circulation there
before I tried to turn
it to some account
(Page 2)
so I have taken
it very patiently-
but I dont give up as
I used to, the trouble is
I begin to find out the
we poor Women has [sic] al
ways been too meek,-
when I hear a Man call
a woman an Angel be
hind her when she is out
of sight I begin to think
about poor ^Leah^ of the Bible
not Leah of the Spirits
I told our spirit friend
it was better to be born
lucky than rich-
but to my letter I read
mine and a part of yours
to Oliver Johnson he wanted
me to take some notes
from it- with your per
mission may I give them
(Page 3)
for the Liberator
no the Standard, what
my Brother says about
me is true, in his letter
I am going to Statten [sic] Island
to morrow [sic] for the first
time, I shall register my
Brother letter there is fif
teen pounds enclosed
in it- I meant to write
you a long letter but they
are waiting for me I
am so tired, I long to see
you kindest rememberance [sic]
to my friends
with much love
Harriet
(Page 1)
May 18th
My Dear Friend
I must
send you a line to let
you know how disappoint
ed I was- and how much
you lost- we had a glo
rious time I only needed
you to fill up the measure
I saw Mrs Coleman and-
expected to see here again-
the day after the meeting
was over but when I saw
Mr Nell- on Thursday mor
ning- and made enquiry
where I could find Mrs
Coleman- he said that he
heard that she left Thurs
day morning- I was very
sorry I wanted to hear
from you- and I had
[Text written along left margin of Page 1]
I shall not do anything with the Book until
(Page 2)
some Books that I
wanted to send to Willie-
but I hope I may have
another opportunity before
long- I regret very much
not seeing you- what
I want to ask you I could
talk it over with you so
much better than I could
write it. I have thought
that I wanted some female
Friend of mine- to write
a Preface or some intro
ductory remarks for my
Book- and there is no one
whose name I would
prfer [sic] to yours- you know
me better than most of
my friends I know my
dear friend it is a great
deal to ask of one whose
time is so [obliterated] invaluable-
and can be so much bet
(Page 3)
ter spent- you must
not hesitate to answer
exactly- as you feel about
it as much pleasure as
it would afford me
and as great an honor
as I would deem it
to have your name
associated with my
Book- Yet believe me
dear friend there are
many painful things
in it- that make me
shrink from asking the
sacrifice from one so
good and pure as your
self-
June 8th My Dear friend
since writing the above
I have been quit [sic] ill-
threatened with another
attack of congestion of
the lungs- but much
(Page 4)
[Text written upside down along top margin of Page 4]
the latter part of August
slighter than the
attack that I had
a year ago- in the
midst of it all Mrs
Willis gave Birth. to a
little Boy Baby- all doing
well and I feel better
to day [sic] than since my
attack- have been up
nearly all day I expect
Lulu up to see me next
week that will cheer me
up- she is living in Brook
lyn govenss [sic] to a little
girl twelve years old-
how I wished you could
have heard Mr Douglass
and Mr Remond we saw
the latter who spoke very
kindly of you dear people
give my love to all the
dear good people whom
I wish I could see and be
lieve me sincerely HA Jacobs
Harriet Brent Jacobs, an author and former slave, is writing to Amy Post, a close friend and benefactor. Lucy Coleman was an abolitionist and woman's rights activist. William Cooper Nell was an abolitionist and former slave. Willie was Post's youngest son. Cornelia Grinnell Willis and Nathaniel Parker Willis had paid for Jacobs's freedom from slavery and employed her for a period.
Louisa was Jacobs's daughter. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and former slave. Charles Lenox Remond was an American orator, abolitionist and military organizer.
(Page 1)
March 1st
My Dear Friends
I had thought
to have written you be
fore this. but as my
movements were uncer
tain- I waited to tell
you what I had de
cided upon- it had
been my intention to
get away by the first
of April, but in this
I have been disappoint
ed but have settled
to sail on the 26^of^ May-
[Text written along left margin on Page 1]
what is right excuse this scrawl Yours HJ
(Page 2)
under the protection
of Mr Mosses Grinnell
I expect to meet my
Brother who is sailing
out of London- I think
that he will return
home with me Louise
recieved [sic] a letter from
him , in which he asked
her to write to you and
Mr Post, for him- I ex
pect to go to Bostun [sic] in
April- I shall be there
several weeks when I
shall have time to
do all that you wished
(Page 3)
in regard to the
Book- Mrs Chapman
told me when I was
there that she was
acquainted with you
through correspondence-
if you should have
occasion to write to
her- please say a c kind
word, for the interest
^you take in^ toward my poor humble
self- I trust that I shall
see you before I go away
I think that I shall be
on my way from Bostun [sic]
about the time of the
anniversary- will you be
(Page 4)
there I hope so for
I have a great deal
more to say than I can
write do let me have
a line from you -now
and then I hear of you
through W Nell -
please remember me
to all the good people
give my love to Willie
tell me him that I hope
to come and see him
before he is a Man-
as the time draws near
I hate to think of going
so far from Louise per
haps- it may be for the
best- at least I shall not
let my expectation run
high I only hope to do
Harriet Brent Jacobs, an author and former slave, is writing to Amy Post, a close friend and benefactor. Prior to the time she wrote this letter, Jacobs was living in the home of her employer, Cornelia Grinnell Willis and Nathaniel Parker Willis. The Willises had paid for Jacobs's freedom from slavery. Mosses was Cornelia's uncle. John was Jacobs's brother. Louisa was her daughter. Maria Weston Chapman was an abolitionist elected to the executive committee of the American Anti- Slavery Society. William Cooper Nell was an abolitionist and former slave. Willie was Post's youngest son.
(Page 1)
Oct 8th
My dear Friend
I might begin this
letter with a long pre
face filled with apol
ogies for my long silence-
but for the present I
shall dispense with
it all-- by simply
telling you the truth-
in the first place I
am truly ashamed
of it –- and but too
glad to write you
again when I returned
home from Europe, I
said that I would not
mention my M S. to my
friends again until I had
done something with
it- little dreaming of
the time that might
elapse- but as time wore
(Page 2)
^on^ difficulties seemed to
thicken-- and I became
discouraged. I felt that
I had cut myself of [sic] from
my friends and I had
no right to ask their
Sympathy- my numer
ous undertakings must be left
until we meet- my
M.S. was read at
Phillips and Sampson
they agreed to take
it if I could get Mrs
Stowe or Mrs Willis
to write a preface
for it- the former I
had the second clinch
from & the the [sic] latter I
would not ask and
before anything was done
this Establishment failed
so I gave up the effort
until this Autumn I
(Page 3)
sent it to Thayer- and
Eldridge ^of Boston^- they were
willing to publish it
if I could obtain a
preface from Mrs
Child. they had no
Objection to the one I
had- but that it must
be by some one [sic] known
to the public- to effect
the safe of the Book. I
had never seen Mrs Child
past experience made
me tremble at the thought
of approaching another
Sattellite [sic] of so great
magnitude for I have
learned that the courage
of old age is not equal
to youths but I tried
to fan the flickering
spark that was left
and resolved to make
my last effort through
(Page 4)
W C Nells ready
kindness I meet Mrs
Child at the A. S.
Office Mrs C is like your
self a whole souled
Woman we soon found
the way to each others
heart- I will send you
some of her letters which
which [sic] will better describe
her than my poor pen-
I gave her my M S. to read
you introduction- I told
her of the feeling that had
existed between us- that
your advice and word
of encouragement- had
been my strongest promo
ter in the writing of
the Book she recognised
Mrs Post and kept the
introduction to have
published in the Standard
with a criticism of the
(Page 5)
Book I wanted to have
it brought in as a letter
but she Mrs Child said
it would do more good
in the Standard and it
will be in the Liberator.
a letter that I had for
the Book written by
a friend from home
to substantiate facts,
Mrs. C will send to
the Anglo Affrican [sic]-
Mr Wendel Phillips
has agreed to take
one thousand coppies [sic].
I take four hundred
at the wholesale price
to dispose of myself-
the Book will be out
1st November I have
ten per cent- I hope my
dear Friend that you
will like my arrangements
it was the only alterna
(Page 6)
tive I long to see you
I went to the City with
the hope of meeting you
the first Convention after
my return home and
was so disappointed I
must beg a line of you
although I know that I
doo [sic] not deserve it tell
me about about [sic] yourself
and family lots of love
to all my friends I shall
try very hard to get
to Rochester this winter
and I have a hope of seeing
my Brother this winter-
Louisa is still in Bostun [sic]
I am going to the city this
week to see how much
Antislavry [sic] I can find there
I will write to you again
after my return remember
me most kindly to my dear
oldd [sic] friend Mr Post and
believe me the same always
[Text written vertically along right margin of Page 6]
H J
[Text written upside along top margin of Page 1]
will you please send me G W Clarks address
Harriet Brent Jacobs, an author and former slave, is writing to Amy Post, a close friend and benefactor. Louisa was Jacobs's daughter. Philips, Sampson and Company was a publishing house. Harriet Beecher Stowe was and abolitionist and the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Prior to the time she wrote this letter, Jacobs was living in the home of her employer, Cornelia Grinnell Willis and Nathaniel Parker Willis. The Willises had paid for Jacobs's freedom from slavery.
Thayer and Eldridge were another publishing company. Lydia Marie Child was a writer and an abolitionist. William Cooper Nell was a mutual friend of Jacobs's and Post's. He was an abolitionist and former slave. The Standard and the Liberator were two anti-slavery newspapers. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist leader. Louisa was Jacobs's daughter.
(Page 1)
New Bedford August ^9th^
My Dear Friend
I recieved [sic]
a letter from home with
yours enclosed- which have
been sometime coming- I
now hasten to answer you
as correctly as I can it
troubles me that I have asked
so much of you when you
already have so many cares
and so many looking up to
you- but do not hurry for
I shall be here until the sec
ond week in September and
I shall leave Mrs Willis for
a while after we get home-
and be away until after I
dispose of the Book- if you
are ready by the Last of
September it will do- for
(Page 2)
I know that I shall
find many obstacles- to arise
after I get home- to prevent
my leaving for that length of
time-
To your enquiry dear Friend
I went to Rochester in March
1849- was an inmate of your
nine Months– or nearly a year-
perhaps it would be more
correct I know it was that
long but how much lon
ger I could not correctly say
I left Rochester September in
1850 I had been thinking of
of [sic] running up to Boston to
see Mrs Chapman- while I
am here if I can make it
out- if I cannot I shall
send Louise– as she is going
to visit Boston- during the
present month I should love
to come and finish up my
(Page 3)
work near you if it would
suit my plans as well but
I am so tied down that I
cannot decide on anything-
until I have time to look
around for myself-
I have four of the Children
here and expect Mrs Willis-
on about the middle of the
month-
please remember me kindly
to Mr Post- hoping that you
and all the dear houshold [sic]
are well-
with much love I remain
Yours Truly Always
H A Jacobs
when I have seen Mrs C. I will
write and let you know the
result-- of her advice as to the
Sale selling the Book this Autumn
your
(Page 1)
Cornwall June ^25th^
My Dearest Amy
I stop in the midst
of all kind of care and per
plexities to scratch you
a line and commit to you
a breach of trust which
I have never breath to
any one [sic] therefore I cannot
ask the favor of any one [sic]
else with out appearing
very Ludicrous in their
opinion I love you and can
bear your severest criticism
because you know what
my advantages have been
and what they have not
been when I was in New York
last week I picked up a
paper with a piece alluding
to the buying and selling of
(Page 2)
^Slaves^ mixed up with some of
Mrs Tylers views I felt so
indignant [obliterated] with the
impulse of the moment
I determined to reply to
it were to leave next
day I had no time for thoug^h^
but as soon as every body [sic]
was safe in bed I began to
look back [and] that I might
tell the truth and every
word was true accept [sic] my
Mother and sisters it was
one whom I dearly loved
it was my first attempt
and when morning found
^me^ I had not time to correct
it or copy it I must send
it or leave it to some fu
ture time the spelling I
believe was every word cor
(Page 3)
rect punctuation I did not
attempt for I never studied
Grammer [sic] therefore I know
nothing about it but I
have taken the hint and
will commence that one
study with all my soul
this letter I wrote in reply
I sent it to the Tribune
I left the same morning
the second day it was in the
paper it came here while
Mr W was at dinner I glanc
ed at it after dinner he took
the paper with him it is
headed Slaves Sold under
Peecliar [sic] Circumstances it
was Tuesday 21st I thought
perhaps it might be co
pied in the North Star
if so will you get two
and cut the articles out
(Page 4)
and enclose them to me
I have another but I can
not offer it before I can
read over the first to see
more of its imperfections
please answer this dear
Ammy [sic] as soon as possible
I want to write you a long
letter but I am working
very hard preparing the
New house Mrs W cant
give me any assistance she
is ^so^ feeble give a great deal
of love to all my much
loved friends kiss dear-
Willie for Dah and a
heart full of warmest
and happiest congratuala
tions to Dear Sarah and beg
you to give them for me
I must stop god bless
is my prayer Harriet
Harriet Brent Jacobs, an author and former slave, is writing from Cornwall, New York to Amy Post, a close friend and benefactor. At the time she wrote this letter, Jacobs was living in the home of her employer, Cornelia Grinnell Willis and Nathaniel Parker Willis. The Willises had paid for Jacobs's freedom from slavery. Abolitionist and former slave, Frederick Douglass published the North Star. Willie was Post's youngest son. Sarah was Post's sister, who had recently married Edmund Willis.
.(Page 1)
Boston Dec 12
1859
Monday Morning 11 ’ O ClocK
The anti slavery [sic]
Board are now in
Session = present
Samuel J. May of
Syracuse = _
It is a glorious sight
- Wendell Phillips
Francis JacKson
Wm Lloyd Garrison
Wm J. Bowditch
R. F. Wallcutt
C. K Whipple
Saml May Jr
(Page 2)
Theodore ParKer has
been in for a
moment= and was
invited to a Seat
-
Here comes Peter
Still =. Says He has
Seen only two of Your
Sisters in his life
Mrs Howell of Portsmouth
and of
Mrs Peter Morrill of
Portland = their
Kindness to him
(Page 3)
always remind [sic] him
of You= He wishes me
to express his grateful
remembrance of You
He has Just come from
Woburn where he got
50 dollar [sic]= ‘He says
he talKed in goods stile [sic]
He has obtained a
loan of $600 from
Fall River –
FredericK Douglass
has been talKed of
Some = this morning
of which I may have
(Page 4)
Something to Say
by and bye_
Do You remember
what course the
Rochester American
tooK relative to
Geo Thompson when
here last –
If You have any facts
please forward them -
_The Boston Times has
Just copied from its
Columns a comment on
the Douglass Controversy
W. C. N.
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston, possibly to fellow activist, Amy Post. Samuel J. May was a radical reformer, who advocated for women's rights, access to education and the abolition of slavery. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. Francis Jackson was an abolitionist from Boston, and affiliated with several anti-slavery groups including the Boston Vigilance Committee. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. William Bowditch, C. K. Whipple and Samuel J. May Jr. were also abolitionists. R.F. Walcutt published an anti-slavery pamphlet containing a speech by Reverend Bleby. Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and a reform minister of the Unitarian Church. Peter Still was involved in the Underground Railroad, and gave lectures to raise money to buy his family out of slavery. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and former slave. George Thompson was a British abolitionist, who lived in the United States for a period. The controversy Nell refers to could relate to the split in the anti-slavery movement between Douglass and Garrison. Douglass no longer believed that the United States Constitution was pro-slavery- unlike Garrison- he believed it was anti-slavery.
(Page 1)
Boston Oct 25th 1858
Kind Friend
On leaving 36. Sophia Street
that rainy afternoon I was sorry to leave
So many friends without interchanging a
ShaKe of the hand .. but events hurried me
on = = I reached Geneva in almost a hurricane
during the most violent thunder and Vivid
lightening I remember to have seen = stopped
with FranK and her Babies till next day
12. O.ClocK and tooK the second Class Car to
Syracuse = reached there Just as F. Douglass
left. remained about Gays Hotel = with
W. F. Johnson the Blind man of Ithaca
and who I met at Canandaigua when there
with Sallie Holley and the Fosters –
on taKing the midnight train had for
Company T.W. Higginson (who preached
a weeK Yesterday for Theodore Parker .
Samuel Johnson of Lynn Yesterday –
Mr ParKer is supposed to be convalescent.
[Text aligned along right margin of Page 1]
at the Social meeting of the Fraternity Last Friday Eve we a variety of exercises Music and
[Text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 1]
and elocutionary tooK place = ( I gave the Frenchman and the Rats
2 of the officers are those members of the Mercantile who
Seconded my bringing up the matter of excluding Colored
men from the FranKlin Procession two Years ago –
(Page 2)
I reached Boston Sunday Morning
quite well =-
Louisa was very sorry not
to have Known that Edmund P. Willis
visited Boston = indeed Mr Wallcut
Knew not of it =- perhaps he called
In at 21 during his absence .did not
maKe himself Known. had I been
present. I would have taKen much
pleasure in introducing him to the
Boston Lions . = I see a Mr
Hallowell has removed from Philadelphia
to Boston. - I met at the
Fraternity Lecture Oct 5th A. J. Davis
we had a few words concurring about
the Rochester Home 36 Sophia St
3 . Cheers for Amy and Isaac
Long may they wave = Hurrah
-
a few Evenings since I was invited
into a Spiritual Circle among some
Colored friends Some of whom enjoy
these sittings under protest from thier [sic]
Pastors.
(Page 3)
Several interesting manifestations were
were [sic] made = 2 excellent mediums
through whom many friends made
themselves Known one preaching a
long discourse = many reminiscenses [sic]
were brought up.-
C.F. Hovey is now
Confined with the Rheumatism -
Mrs Phillips seems now more of an
Invalid than ever = He has a bad
Cold = = and has in consequence of her
illness curtailed most of his usual
winter list of lectures-
What a time You
have had about . Rochester Capital
punishment = well so the powers
that be murdered Ira Stout-
But the recent cases in the
Several States = Magee in Massachusetts
and Stout in Rochester will much
accelerate the downfall of the
Gallow = at least So I. thinK .
(Page 4)
I have been down to Salem once since I
returned . and Very liKely may again.
I always enjoy myself there=-
J. H. P. has a long seated cough . which
accasions [sic] his friends some apprehension -
I . Shall have more to say of
Salem associations by and bye
I have secured a situation for Ira
to learn the art of engraving which
promises well for him -and my
mind is at ease on that matter.
Tell Mary Ann I. have not forgotten
the promise to send her some
Music = though I also remember
that She did not Sing for me
Please distribute my Kind regards
to the entire Circle and
believe me as ever
Fraternally Yours
William C. Nell.
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Frances was one of Nell's sisters. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and former slave. Sallie Holley traveled the anti-slavery lecture circuit with Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone and Sarah Remond. The members of the Foster family were abolitionists and women's rights supporters. Thomas Wentworth Higginson was the editor of the Atlantic Monthly and an abolitionist. Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and reform minister in the Unitarian Church. Samuel Johnson was a clergyman and an abolitionist. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Edmund P. Willis was Post's brother-in-law. R.F. Walcutt published an anti-slavery pamphlet by Reverend Bleby. Mr. Hallowell could refer to Post's son-in-law, William R. Hallowell. Andrew Jackson Davis was a Spiritualist leader. Spiritualists believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. Charles Fox Hovey was a businessman and an abolitionist from Boston, who established the department store C.F. Hovey and Co. Anne Terry Phillips was a member of the Boston Anti-Slavery Society and married to Wendell Phillips. Wendell Phillips was American abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. John H. Putnam was an abolitionist. Ira was Nell's nephew. Mary Ann Pitkin took care of Post's youngest son, Willie.
(Page 1)
Boston March 24.. 1858
Esteemed Friend
Please accept my thanKs
for the Kind letter forwarded from 36
Sophia St . March 2d and which would
have been sooner acKnowledged but for
the press of Head and Hunt matters
which as You have seen Kept me so busy .
Well I am Just beginning to
have a breathing Spell a brief one
and when I review the past month
and its accupations [sic] . I really wonder
How I have succeeded through
to the end .= I cannot detail to You
the experiences = encouraging and
desponding hints from the too Sanguine
as well as the timid and Vetoing_
persons = but the Faneuil Hall
meeting was a success and
I feel will produce good results.
I was so fortunate as to clear
all my consequent liabilities many of
them quite heavy. but though with
a small surplus = I could not
help hoping I should realize enough
to lift my outstanding debts . but
(Page 2)
long looKed for day is Yet further
delayed= How I long to be
emancipated from the slavery of
debt.=- Well let me at least
Keep hoping for that Jubilee
Are You to be at New York
anniversary = ? I hope to meet
You there . indeed have been
indulging a glimmering expectation
that I may go on from
there and Spend a day each
at Geneva._ Auburn and
Rochester = but this is a
world of disappointments so I
will only say what I would
liKe to do . instead of what I
will = so dont let any one [sic]
expect me = but Wait for the
wagon-
I have a batch of letters to
answer at this time . including
Dorcas Collins Abby Chase
Harriet Jacobs and others
I am quite busy . with our two Clubs
Histrionic and Social -
both of which have Literary Exercises
at thier [sic] weeKly meetings –
(Page 3)
I being President of one and Secretary
of the other = imposes upon me some duties
which they acKnowledge as beneficial -
our Dramatic Exhibition was
a grand affair = Scenery .- Stage -
- Properties ._ Music _ Acting _ Dresses _
Audience _ and all _
Mr and Mrs Webb arrived from
England Just in time to be present
-
ParKer Pillsbury is now in the office
much improved . but not Yet well.
Wendell Phillips - has Just been in
and promised to call with me upon
two Colored Young men (artists)
Mr Garrison is not Very well
The abolitionists are Just now
revelling [sic] in thier [sic] triumph of
removing Judge Loring ,
Pro slavery is Venting its rage
gnashing its teeth and howling
but the . : Deed is done ”
I want to see the Rochester Circle
Very much and could asK many
questions about them all and each
but will defer . satisfying myself
with the consciousness that as You
come in contact with them . You
will apprise them that they –still live in my
memory
(Page 4)
Mrs Helen Putnam Gilliard is
about moving to Boston . and opening
a Ladies Clothing Store -
-
Louisa and family are well
her Baby is one Year old on the
27th is well . hearty and
ambitious even now walKs a
little. -
Ira Junior progresses
well = = promises to be a smart
man . _ _ _ _ _ _
I am glad to say that
my health is quite encouraging
little better . than when I
left Rochester for Mrs Trevor
at Lockport
Hoping to hear from You
Soon I remain
Sincerely Your Friend
William C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. The New York Anniversary may refer to celebrating the year 1833, when England abolished slavery in the West Indies. Harriet Jacobs was an abolitionist and former slave. Mrs. Webb performed in a play, Black Siddon during this period. Parker Pillsbury was a Minister, abolitionist, writer, women’s rights activist, who served as Vice- President of the New Hampshire Suffrage Association. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. Ellis Gray Loring was lawyer and abolitionist, who was involved in the New England Anti-Slavery Society and helped to finance the Liberator. The members of the Putnam family were abolitionists. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Ira Junior was one of her children.
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Charles Lenox Remond was a lecturer and abolitionist. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Members of the De Garmo family were abolitionists. Sarah Burtis was woman's rights activist, Susan B. Anthony's second cousin. Harriet Jacobs was an abolitionist and former slave. Louisa was her daughter. Maria W. Chapman was an abolitionist and a member of the American Anti-Slavery Society. Nell refers to Jacobs's book, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Jacob was one of Post's sons and Jennie was his wife. Sarah Birney was a mutual friend of Post and Nell. Mary Pitkin took care of Post's youngest son, Willie, for a period. Mary Johnson was an African American woman who worked for the Post family. Joseph Post was one of Post's sons. Benjamin was one of Nell's brothers-in-law. Frances was Benjamin's wife. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Nell refers to the Spiritualist movement. Spiritualists believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. R.F. Walcutt published an anti-slavery pamphlet containing a speech by Reverend Bleby. Mrs. William Ives was President of the Female Anti-Slavery Society of Salem. The members of the Putnam family were abolitionists. Nell refers to his nephew Ira.
(Page 1)
Boston August 26
1857
Dear Friend Amy Post
Yesterday I mailed a
letter to You = which has
been a long while Your
due = but Your indulgence
is equal to any emergency
and Your old friend
W.C.N. Stands acquitted
of any intentional delay
or neglect = my Vanity
prompts Saying this much
This morning Mr Garrison
favored me with a glance
at Your letter to him
I really wish as does
(Page 2)
Remond and Brown
(both of whom were here
Just now ) that Rochester
would be Selected for
the Disunion Convention
but I gather that
Abby Kelly Foster and
Mr Garrison for certain
reasons incline to
Syracuse = of course
I only intimate this
the decision may be
otherwise! -
(Page 3)
[Typescript flier enclosed following Page 2]
The Histrionic Club
respectfully announce their first presentation, on the
EVE OF TUESDAY, APR. 7, ’57,
at the rooms of
MaMadame Carteaux, 365 Washington Street.
-
the curtain will rise at 8 o’clock precisely.
-
Messrs THOMAS S. BOSTON and GEO. WASHINGTON will alternate at the Piano.
MANAGER, - - - - - - WM. C. NELL.
-
the entertainment will commence with the parlor dramatic sketch of
LOVE AT SIGHT.
Dramatis Personae
MR. BARTON, (Father of Anna), ……………….………………Mr. Thomas S. Boston
MR. INGOT, (A Rich Merchant), ……………………….……….. Mr. Ottaway West
COUNT CRAPAUD, (A French Gentleman), ………………... Mr. Jacob R. Andrews
COLONEL THUNDER, (A Military Hero) ……………………. Mr. George L. Ruffin
MR. THESIS, (Principal of an Academy), ……………………. Mr. Robert C. Davis
MR. DASHVILLE, (A Stranger), …………………………………... Mr. Wm. H. Simpson
ANNA BARTON, (An Heiress), …………………………………… Mrs. Louisa Oliver
LOUISA, (Her Friend and Companion), ……………………… Mrs. Rachel Rose
URSULA, (A Domestic), …………………………………………….. Miss Anna Cambell
-
SONG, - - - - - - (STAR OF LOVE), - - - - - - GEO. WASHINGTON
-
the whole to conclude with the following tableaux:
FAITH, (Represented by)…………………. Miss Harriet Ceasar
HOPE, (Represented by) …………………. Madame Carteaux
JUSTICE, (Represented by) ……………… Miss Anna Gray
-
BRIGANDS AT REST!
by
GEORGE L. RUFFIN, GEORGE WASHINGTON AND WM. HOPKINS
(Page 4)
[Text aligned vertically along right margin on verso of flier]
Amy Post
-
(Page 5)
Please not mention
to Sarah P. Remond
when She Visits Rochester
or indeed to any one [sic] else
what ^that^ I whispered the
^statements^ Concerning the Daughter
ofWWB = _
No one [sic] need Know who
told You .
-
though Mr Brown
himself has Just now
for the first time SpoKe
on the subject to me
I am Very sorry = he feels
Sad about it -
and deserves
better-
-
(Page 6)
I really wanted to see
Jacob this season.
but it is no use to
fret = I cannot
Control destiny
-
Wishing You and
all the friends
every blessing
I remain
Fraternally Yours
Wm C= Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. Charles Lenox Remond was a lecturer and abolitionist. William Wells Brown was an African American abolitionist, lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave, and escaped to the North in 1834, where wrote the first novel by an African American, titled- Clotel. Abby Kelly Foster was a radical abolitionist and social reformer. The "Disunion Convention" refers to a meeting held in Massachusetts in 1857 to explore the possibility to separating the free states from the slave states and form two countries. Jacob was one of Post's sons.
(Page 1)
Sunday Evening 9 . O . ClocK _all alone in
my Bachelor Sanctum
Boston August 23d 1857
My Kind Friend
Amy Post .
I trust You have
not erased my humble name from Your BooK of
remembrance because of my long silence.
until within the past few days I have
been anticipating a Journey west with
Charles Lenox Remond touching at Rochester
but as this has been for the present at least
abandoned. I must if for no other purpose
than to maintain my reputation at 36
Sophia Street pen a few lines preliminary
to more at an early opportunity.
Just now I am quite lones ome [sic]
Louisa is at Chelsea Beach with her
Husband, Son and Baby = and I have
but Just returned from a [sic] Eleven days
Visit to Salem where I have enjoyed
myself most capitally I can assure You
the usual agreeable company there was augmented
by some friends from New YorK and Philadelphia
we went to Lowell Island = Marblehead
Nahant . Danvers antislavery meetings
had blending-Fishing = Bathing = Pic Nics [sic]
Parlor Concerts and other social and mental
recreations –
(Page 2)
Louisa Jacobs is now here on a visit and Harriet
Soon expected from New Bedford - by the bye
the friends of Wm Wells Brown are pained at
what seems to be the degeneracy of his
daughter Josephine = She has lost her good
name = please ( as I Know You will ) make Judicious
use of this which I am afraid is more than
idle rumor. He has appreciated much money
and devotion upon his daughters and I grieve
for his feelings = but She may Yet redeem
herself = -I fondly trust I shall have the Joyful
news to communicate in an early letter-
At an antislavery [sic] Picnic recently . Charles
Remond and myself had a pleasant Rochester
Chat with ( Miss Money ) if that is or was the
name = a Lady whom I met at Sarah
Burtis on the first occasion of my meeting with
the Ladies Sewing Circle = the old guard -
She gave us a polite information ^invitation^ to call upon
her in Boston and I intend soon doing so
I wish I could learn something
definite from Benjamin and FranK
they are so very negligent in writing
I Know not whether good or bad or
indifference, lucK or merely procrastination
may be the cause . but I am very
anxious to hear from them-
(Page 3)
The fact that the New Organized Womens anti Slavery [sic]
Society in Rochester have secured Rev Geo B. Cheever
to lecture for them induces my belief that some one [sic]
among them wears Julia Griffiths mantle .
when is she to return from Europe ?
Mr Garrison abandoned his Western tour
in consequence of his Aunts severe and protracted
illness . = He Labors hard though = ever
faithful and earnest -
Susan B. Anthony is highly appreciated
by the friends here = She is an excellent
Agent = I am rejoiced that her heart
is so engaged = You speaK of Andrew
Jackson Davis and wife. they were here
some weeKs since and I listened with much
interest to his . conversation with Mr Garrison
Dorcas Collins last letters
speaK of Phebes prospective recovery
Poor Girl. how She has suffered = I trust
She will Soon be free from Doctors and
Continue well = She certainly will revel in
Such a change transition -
Abby and Husband are in
Kansas : = in that region where King Slavery is
anticipating a triumph . and it really looKs
as though he had not counted without his
host = = . I presume Abby will bear
a faithful anti slavery [sic] testimony -
(Page 4)
How I do wish for the opportunity of
often meeting my choice friends in Rochester
I want a long free and easy talK with
the entire Circle = I want to See Jacob
and his Wife = Sarah and Mary Hallowell
I never can forget the former was my
room mate [sic] and the two latter Very
instrumental in securing my sojourn at
36 Sophia Street
To Isaac William
Edmund Joe = Sarah Birney .Mary Johnson
Mary PitKin = Willie . Post = the Burtis .
Anthonys . Fishes . De Garmos . are all
Murrays – V= ^Lucy Colman -Giles & Catherine^ are all remembered with
them
This is indeed a poor
apology for Your interesting letter
but I will try to do better next
time . in the meanwhile
Monday Noon ^21 Cornhill^ I am Truly Your
Mr Foss is now in the office
expecting to be at
Rochester Obliged and Grateful Friend
Sunday next
tho [sic] he may be Wm C. Nell
disappointed
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Charles Lenox Remond was a lecturer and abolitionist. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Louisa Jacobs was abolitionist and former slave, Harriet Jacobs's daughter. William Wells Brown was an abolitionist, lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave, and escaped to the North in 1834, where he wrote the first novel by an African American- titled Clotel. Sarah Burtis was woman's rights activist, Susan B. Anthony's cousin. Frances and Benjamin were Nell's sister and brother-in-law. Julia Griffith was a British abolitionist, who supported Frederick Douglass's newspaper, the North Star. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and published a newspaper, the Liberator. Andrew Jackson Davis was a Spiritualist healer. Spiritualists believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. Jacob, Joseph and Willie were Post's sons. William Hallowell was Post's son-in-law. Edmund Willis was Post's brother-in-law. Mary Johnson was an African American woman who lived with the Post family for a period. Mary Pitkin took care of Willie. The Anthony, Fish, De Garmo, Murray families were all abolitionists in the Rochester area. Lucy Coleman and Giles and Catherine Stebbins were also abolitionists. Andrew T. Foss was an abolitionist lecturer for the Massachusetts Anti- Slavery Society.
(Page 1)
Dear Mrs. Post. You will do me a
kindness by sending me your copy of
the Standard for Last week. My
copy has been mislaid. There is an
article in it- which I wish to publish-
Provided you can allow me to have
the paper for that purpose.
Very Respectfully
Frederick Douglass
Rochester August 5th 1857
(Page 1)
Sunday 5 . O . clocK P.M
alone in my Bachelor sanctum } Boston June 7: 1857
My Esteemed Friend Amy Post
Your long looKed for and Very
welcome communication of April 28th
has constantly been appealing to me for acKnowle
acKnowledgement_ = but I will neglect it no
longer = though I need not waste time or
paper in stringing out apologies for my
delay You are always indulgent and I
will looK upon myself as already excused
I was really beginning to wonder
what had happened at 36 Sophia St .
If sicK I supposed news would have
reached me = but no matter I was
fortunate to . at length recieve [sic] the letter
and in the plenitude of my gratitude
therefor [sic] will preserve silence on that
theme at least for the time being
New YorK and Boston
Anniversaries have occupied much of my time
as You can well imagine = I did wish Isaac
and Amy had been present at one or both .
for Your enjoyment as I thinK would have
been ample . of which Let Susan B. Anthony
give You her opinion = if She has not
already done so .
(Page 2)
Some weeKs since T. C. Hallowell came into
the office when I was alone to renew his
Liberator subscription = I never met him
before . but we soon found out each
others relative position to the Rochester Circle.
At New YorK I was pleased to meet
Susan B. Anthony Lucy Coleman in company
with A.T. Foss whose belligerant - slite [sic] of
Speech seems not commendable to Your
Non combative Spirit. = I also met
FredericK Douglass at a tea party at
Young Downings = present Dr Smith
Charles Remond et al = we got along
Smoothly = I happened in on Broad St
at Downings Saloon one evening early
when who should I be pleased to sup
with but F.D. and Geo Willets-
the former tooK occasion to inform me
that he Yet read the Liberator and was
much interested with Mr Garrisons
recent address on temperance -
at some public meeting he alluded
favorably to my BooK= Services Vc
Remond has done much good by his
debates recently with Douglass. = He
engages the coming weeK in Providence
and may at other places.
The people got hold of facts and
(Page 3)
arguments of the Garrisonians that they
might not otherwise - and on reflection
they are in many instances adopted .
Is Miss Griffith as You suppose
Seriously sicK? If she does not
recover = the loss of her Services will
be signal and heavy to F . D -.
I was interested though not much surprised
with the speaKing interview between You and
F.D. -
I have a little Baby neice [sic] =
about 3 months Louisa and Ira are quite
proud It is a healthy fine Child .
I am surprised that FranK
does not call and see You = why She
Keeps So close at home I really cannot
understand. =
When You write do give
me Some items of information = concerning
Sarah Hallowell Willis and Husband
William and Mary Hallowell . _
The Fishes = Burtis . Anthony . Murrays Vc
of Jacob and his Bride = Sarah P. Remond
gave me an interesting account of the
pleasant Scenes at the Wedding -
How I would have enjoyed it-
(Page 4)
Joseph and his responsibilities –
Sarah Birney = Mary Johnson
Mary ( Wait for the Wagon ) PitKin
Willie Post = = Does he remember
Mr C . Nell ? - I. Know not when to
anticipate being again at Rochester
but would be Very happy if this
Summer Such an opportunity could
be mine -
Remember me to Isaac Post
and the entire Circle as
the chance occurs. _
[Four lines of text aligned vertically along right margin of Page 4]
Please accept
the accompanying
group of
Representative Women….
I meant to have told You that
Harriet and Louisa Jacobs were in New YorK
and SpoKe much of the Rochester friends
I have Just had some pleasant times
at Mount Auburn . _ - Nahant -
Bunker Hill V= with Salem friends
including Carrie Wise and Martha Mendenhall
from Philadelphia = they hoped to be present at
the Waterloo meeting with Oliver Johnson-
I am in tolerable health = hope this will find You all
Number One I remain Ever Yours
Wm C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. The New York anniversaries refer to abolition of slavery in the British controlled West Indies in 1833. Susan B. Anthony was a woman's rights leader. T.C. Hallowell could refer to a relative of the Post family. The Liberator was a newspaper that radical abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison published. Lucy Coleman was a woman's rights activist. Andrew T. Foss was an abolitionist lecturer for the Massachusetts Anti- Slavery Society. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and former slave. Charles Lenox Remond was also an abolitionist. George Willets was a relative of the Post family. Julia Griffith was a British abolitionist, who supported Douglass's newspaper- the North Star. Louisa and Frances were Nell's sisters. Sarah Hallowell Willis and Edmund P. Willis were Post's sister and brother-in-law. William and Mary Hallowell were Post's son-in-law and step-daughter. The Fish, Burtis, Anthony and Murray families were also abolitionists living in the Rochester area. Jacob, Joseph and Willie were Post's sons. Sarah Birney was an abolitionist and a mutual friend of Post and Nell. Mary Johnson was a black woman who lived and worked for the Post family for a period. Mary Pitkin helped to take care of Willie- Post's youngest son. Harriet Jacobs was an abolitionist and former slave. Louisa was her daughter. Oliver Johnson was an abolitionist and newspaper editor.
(Page 1)
Albany June 2/57
Dear Amy
At the earnest
suggestion of Mr. Gar-
rison, Aaron M. Powell
will attend the Waterloo
Progressive meeting
meeting – Mr. Garrison
is highly delighted with
the Pensylvania [sic] meeting
and hopes the Waterloo
will pass equally strong
Testimonies on the subject
of Peace & Anti Slavery [sic]
(Page 2)
and it is ^to^ bring
those questions before
the meeting that Mr. G.
urges the attendance of
Mr. Powell-
I hope to meet you
there, and many more
of our good friends.
We have had, most
excellent meetings at
New York & Boston, but
have no time to write –
I leave for Seneca
Falls in a few moments
hope to get Mrs. Stanton
waked up to attend &
(Page 3)
give her strong ^word^ for
Woman- I shall go
to Rochester, immediately
after the meeting-
Elias & Rhoda and
Asa & Huldah I hope
to meet there –
The Bell Rings &
I must go- Do let the
light of countenance
Shine upon that Meeting
Truly Yours
Susan B. Anthony
(Page 1)
Boston Jan 19. 1857
I have a somewhat vivid recollection
of meetings as often as once in
Rochester a certain friend-
and Abolitionist Known as
Amy Post . nay more I
ventured to address said
individual a letter several
weeKs since . = which to the
present time has not been
acKnowledged:-
Can You tell me where
the aforesaid Amy Post is
whether sicK or well?
-
Why was there no Box from
Rochester for the Boston Bazaar?
perhaps there was = but I heard
no mention of it -
(Page 2)
I desire very much to have a
line from the Circle at
36 Sophia St. I want to
hear something from every body [sic]
resident under that notable
roof - = Do oblige me.
Charles Lenox Remond writers
me of his pleasant Visit to
Rochester . W. J. WatKins who
is in this region now tells me
of the advances made by F. D. to
C . L . R at the Rochester Fair
-
Does Isaac Post Yet
reside in Rochester.
presuming You to be acquainted
with him . I asK for information
I wish I could now grasp his
friendly hand .
You see I am collecting on the Garrison
Homestead - Rhoda De Garmo will
I presume Let You Know some of the contents
of my letter = Love to all from Yours
Fraternally W .C. Nell
(Page 3)
[Typescript circular enclosed with letter]
THE GARRISON HOMESTEAD.
For the last twenty-five years, the opinion has been repeatedly
expressed by individuals and circles, that WILLIAM LLOYD GARRI-
SON, the pioneer and uncompromising champion of immediate
emancipation, should possess a Home for his family, independent of
the annoying cares incident to leasing and hiring.
Some years since, a few personal friends invested a generous
fund, which has been appropriated towards a dwelling-house [sic]. This
has been recently augmented by the efforts of friends in Salem, but
an additional amount is needed to consummate this long-cherished
desire.
This Circular is addressed to you, with the confident hope that
you will make immediate application to the congenial hearts among
your acquaintances, that they may avail themselves of this golden
opportunity to make that offering, (be it great or small,) the
remembrance of which will be a perennial fount of gladness to
each contributor, and a choice legacy to his or her children, who
may live to see the day when the last chain shall fall from the last
American slave; a jubilee which the truthful of all parties will
be ready to proclaim as signally hastened by the life-long devotion
of WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON.
Please forward an accurate statement of names, donations and
localities to the undersigned, by January 20th, 1857, who pledges
himself to a faithful report.
WILLIAM C. NELL, 21 CORNHILL.
BOSTON, December 10, 1856.
(Page 1)
Ohio
Oberlin, Aug 7. 1856
Kind Friend Amy
I have heard
nothing from You since the
May meeting in New YorK
I left Boston ten
days ago and Shall probably
remain this month in Ohio
hoping to pass through
Rochester during the second
weeK in September -
I have seen Mr PecK
“Elizabeth ^Mr Avery^ Burtis Husband
and expect soon to visit her
As I shall attend
Several ( Equal Suffrage )
meetings in the State
with John M. Langston
(Page 2)
I Shall have many
Ohio matters to tell You
I. hope to find all
the Rochester Friends
well-
You will of course
remember me Kindly
-to them all.-
-
I had an excellent
letter some time since
from Rhoda and Elias
De Garmo- before they
left for the West
also one from Catherine
Stebbins to whom You will
please deliver the
enclosed-
(Page 3)
I have not heard
recently from Harriet
Jacobs -
Joseph H. Putnam
arrived from Australia
July 3d in British Steamer
having ^visited^ England and
France and seen all
the Lions He brings
home I think a
handsome sum of money
This week the Father and
3 absent Sisters return
to Salem where I should
LiKe to have been
with the family gathering
But I cannot be
in two places at once
(Page 4)
If I reach Rochester
and find You home
I shall have many
matters to talK of
Love to the entire
Circle and
believe me
Sincerely Yours
William C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Oberlin, Ohio to fellow activist, Amy Post. Member of the Burtis family were relatives of Susan B. Anthony and lived in Rochester and were abolitionists. John M. Langston was an abolitionist, attorney and educator. He was the first African American elected to Congress from Virginia. The De Garmos were members of the New York Anti-Slavery Society. Members of the Stebbins family were abolitionists. Harriet Jacobs was an abolitionist and former slave. Joseph H Putnam was an abolitionist.
(Page 1)
Boston April 29 . 1856
Dear Friend Amy
You will see
the enclosed delivered to
Mr Webb . - I learn that the
Mrs Webb has a reading at
Rochester next Friday Eve
Just now - Lydia Maria Child
Henrietta Sargent , Sallie
Holley and Miss Putnam
were in the office
Remond has Just returned
from Providence in good
Spirits where but for a
disappointment- I should
have accompanied him to
thier [sic] grand antislavery [sic] meeting.
[Text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 1]
Mrs Webb will tell You of
Mrs Ives in Salem .
(Page 2)
Anne Weston was in Italy
at last accounts -
an [sic] spiritual friend
Here comes John M Spear
and I have secured his name
to the new petition for
removal of Judge
Commissioner Loring .
The abolitionists never
grow weary in welldoing
-
Now here is Wm F. Channing
He too signs the petition .
I. have published a
pamphlet edition of the
proceedings of our Equal
School Rights Presentation
Meeting . = and it will
probably be wanted in
New York, Philadelphia -
(Page 3)
Providence . Cincinnati
perhaps also in Rochester
But You can see them in
New York =
Fail not to
be on hand for a
grand time is anticipated
Harriet Jacobs was
unwell when last heard
from = but for all that
I hope to meet her in
New York -
A Remember me to all
at home and believe
me
Ever
Hope to meet Yours Faithfully
Your other half Wm C. Nell
also in New York
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Robert D. Webb was an Irish publisher and abolitionist, who founded the Hibernian Anti-Slavery Association. Mrs. Webb performed in the play Black Siddons during this period. Lydia Marie Child was an abolitionist and woman's rights activist, as were Henrietta Sargent, Sallie Holley and the Putnam family. Charles Lenox Remond was an abolitionist lecturer. Anne Weston was an abolitionist. John M. Spear was a Universalist Minister, who became associated with the Spiritualist movement. Spiritualists believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. Ellis Gray Loring was an abolitionist. William F. Channing was a Unitarian Minister and a social reformer. Nell refers to the Equal School Rights Movement, whose advocates argued that schools that educated black students should receive the same amount of funding as those that educated white students. Harriet Jacobs was an abolitionist and former slave.
(Page 1)
Boston April 12 1856
My Kind Friend Amy,
I resign hearing Allen Putnams
Lecture on Mesmerism , Witchcraft and Spiritualism
and a Visit to a nice Young Lady friend
that I may say a few words acKnowledging my
reception of Your long looKed for but all
the more welcome letter of April 1st -
for I had indeed began to wonder if sicKness
had not prevented Your writing -
Wendell Phillips told me of the grand time at
Rochester. I am glad it was so satisfactory to
the friends. = My own sentiment towards Miss
Wilbur has been one of distrust = the position
she occupies of Close fellowship with Your enemies
materially unfits her for Confidence of Your
Circle = and I have queried much on the
amendment of her being an inmate at W.R.H.
but only for the reason . that she must hear
many things not intended for = the ears of the
New Organization = aside from this I have
no opinion to express = She may not give any
occasion for her friends to find Fault . but
she certainly has a wide field for
annoying both parties -
[Obliterated] Mr Garrison has the Same opinion
(Page 2)
John M. Spear : Daughter is dead = he gave me
an account of F.D. at Rochester Free Meeting
-
On Fast day I accompanied Theodore ParKer to
Leominster where we both talKed antislavery [sic]
Mrs FH Drake liKe Mrs Ives of Salem are
women after Your own heart -. I would delight
in seeing the Trio together -
returning next morning we were Joined by
Wm Lloyd Garrison and Wm Wells Brown who
had been to Fitchburg 5 miles west You
Know of course = we had a pleasant time
ParKer had before met Garrison at the antislav [sic]
office Since the Liberator criticism upon
the sharps Rifle Sermon = Mr ParKer complimented
Mr Garrison for his fidelity to principle and
took occasion to maKe quite merry on the subject
Francis JacKson is now rather indisposed
but it is hoped he will be at New YorK
I learn from Dorcas Collins that Phebes
health is very delicate = the family have
been much afflicted of late -
-
I have been much surprised that the friends
in Rochester have not taKen my BooKs.
I don’t believe Dewey has sold any -
I would pay some agent a handsome commission
[Text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 2. Sentance begins upside down along top margin of Page 3]
last . December . He is expected home in June.
(Page 3)
[First line of text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 3]
Joseph H. Putnam has sent me a letter dated
to taKe them round =in Rochester - I Know
they will all be sold in time. but it is very important
that I should maKe early sales : especially to
promote .future plans - = If You can recommend
me the right person ( perhaps a woman is preferable
please do so . ( Sallie Holley volunteered to do
Something for me in New YorK State - but when
She can commence -I have not been advised of .
Harriet Jacobs is now unwell = She
was expecting to be at the New YorK anniversary
So is Mary E. Bibb - _ H.H. Gannett and Wife
C. L. Remond W Wells Brown et al
the anticipation of meeting You and Isaac
there is very pleasing to me - Will my
valued friend Sarah Hallowell Willis also be
there = I hope so = Louisa was very much
pleased with Edmund P. Willis -_. and will
never be tired talKing of You - William & Mary
Sarah Burtis and others -
So Joseph has a
little responsibility =running round the house
He is ahead of me = I. Jacob most ready
to tie up - Why need he wait for the
wagin [sic] of Bachelor Blessedness?
I presume the two Marys . Johnson and
PitKin are in the . Same place = 36 Sophia St
(Page 4)
Little Ira progresses very well at school -
and as Amateur Drawer and Musician
His Father has Just presented him with a
Splendid Guitar -
I am glad You find so much satisfaction with
our mutual friend Mrs Colman = .
Mrs Webb though expected East all through
March has not Yet arrived from her Western
trip -
. You may congratulate Yourself proper
the successful course of antislavery [sic] lectures
in Rochester . I need not say to You
Never weary in well doing -
I meant to have told You of the interest
recently felt by Louisa and our entire
[Line of text written vertically along right margin of Page 4]
Louisa Sends her love.
Circle of acquaintance in spiritualism
. I never since coming from Rochester made
any special attempt to proselyte any one [sic] here
only as opportunity offered stating my experience
and observation = a Young woman of our acquaintance
has recent been developed as a Speaking . Tipping
and Trance Medium . and the communications
and manifestations have been abundant
Various and convincing = Louisa is very much
interested = but more of this anon -
Hoping to meet You in New YorK and finish up our talk
I remain Ever Fraternally Yours Wm C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. The members of the Putnam family were abolitionists. Nell refers to Spiritualism, whose followers believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. W.R.H. or William R. Hallowell was Post's son-in-law. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. John Murray Spear was a Universalist minister, who became active in the Spiritualist movement. F.D. or Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and former slave. The Rochester Free Meeting may refer to a local abolitionist meeting. Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and reform minister in the Unitarian Church. John P. Hale is noted as being the first Senator, who campaigned as an abolitionist. Mrs. William Ives was president of the Female Anti-Slavery Society. William Wells Brown was an African American abolitionist, lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave, and escaped to the North in 1834, where he wrote the first novel by an African American titled- Clotel. Francis Jackson was a Spiritualist. Sallie Holley traveled the anti-slavery lecture circuit with Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone and Sarah Remond. Harriet Jacobs was an abolitionist and former slave.
Mary Bibb was born a free black woman and became active in the abolitionist movement. Charles Lenox Remond was a lecturer and abolitionist. Sarah Hallowell was Post's sister. Edmund Willis was Sarah's husband. William and Mary Hallowell were Post's son-in-law and step-daughter. Sarah Burtis was a mutual friend of Post and Nell's. Joseph and Jacob were two of Post's sons. Mary Pitkin helped to take care of Post's youngest son, Willie. Mary Johnson was a black woman who lived with the Post family for a period. Nell refers to the family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Ira was Nell's nephew. Lucy Coleman was a woman's rights activist and abolitionist. Mrs. Webb performed in a play titled Black Siddons during this period. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters.
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. William Wells Brown was an African American abolitionist, lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave and escaped to the North in 1834, where he wrote the first novel by an African American- Clotel. Brown’s youngest child, Josephine, attended school in France and returned to the United States in 1855 to complete a biography of her father. The members of the Remond family were abolitionists. Reverend Antoinette Brown was the first female minister of a recognized denomination in the United States. She was also a women’s rights activist. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper titled, the Liberator . Mrs. Webb performed in the play Black Siddons during this period. Nell refers to the Boston anti-slavery office, located at 21 Cornhill. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and a reform minister of the Unitarian Church. John P. Hale is noted as being the first Senator, who campaigned as an abolitionist. Nell may be referring to the 1855 National Woman's Rights Convention, held in Cincinnati. Abby Kelley Foster was an abolitionist and women’s rights activist.
Nell uses various last names of mutual friends on Page 2 as puns. The Post, Willis, Hallowell, Webb and Stowe families were all involved in various social movements of the period. Samuel J. May was a radical reformer, who advocated for women’s rights, access to education and the abolition of slavery. James Freeman Clarke was a Unitarian Minister and social reformer. Lydia Mott was woman's rights activist, Lucretia Mott's sister-in-law. Jacob and Joseph were two of Post's sons. Jeremiah B. Sanderson was a free African American, who moved to California during the Gold Rush and advocated that public schools that educated black children should receive the same amount of funding as those schools that educated white students.
Nell uses the Latin phrase "ad libitum", which means "at one's pleasure". Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Reverend Henry C. Wright was a member of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. The Chapman sisters were abolitionists, who worked with various organizations in Boston. Deborah Weston was one of the founding members of the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society. The De Grasse family were mutual friends of the Post family and Nell. Frances was another of Nell's sisters. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Both Eddy and Francis Jackson were Spiritualist mediums. Spiritualists believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. William R. Hallowell was Post's son-in-law.
(Page 1)
a large and elegant variety of goods have arrived
for the Bazaar which opens on the 19th -
wish You and Some other Rochester friends were
to be with us.
Boston Nov 30th 1855
Kind friend Amy
Yesterday was our
ThanKsgiving = I passed a portion of the
day here at 21 Cornhill = all alone in my
glory of hammering out some Jobs
on my mental anvil = which may
turn up Yet somewhere else -
Rev Theodore ParKer had a good
audience who in turn of course had a
good Sermon = I dined with
Louisa who as were ^were^ alone narrated
a graphic account of her pleasant times
in Rochester for a great part of which
She acKnowledges special indebtedness to
You . = Ira the Elder was engaged
Ira the Younger was parading with a
Juvenile Military Engine Company of
which he has for Some time been an
active member - among his School
mates [sic] he was Selected as Drummer
in which capacity he executed StriKing
Service if not for his Country
certainly to the Sheeps Kin -
(Page 2)
On Wednesday Eve met Wendell Phillips at the Depot
and learned that he spent some very pleasant
hours at Rochester . hoping during the Season
to revisit and lecture there -
I called last evening upon him to get his
answer to the Committee for my presentation
meeting - . He has abandoned for that evening
a Lyceum lecture =and with Missr Garrison
Theodore ParKer et al will be on hand
It will probably taKe place on the 17th of Dec
of which You will hear more. -
Mrs . Chapman has Just sent me from
Weymouth by her Son a handsome letter of
acKnowledgement for my BooK . = which She
Selected for her ThanKsgiving reading -
I recieved [sic] the Rochester
American containing a notice but have
not Yet Seen the Democrat though I
Sent for it and am very anxious
for to get It. - ^as a means of promoting^ its Sale -
I did not Know
until Henry Collins wrote me
that my letter had not been
forwarded = Its all right now
I presume Dorcas is on the
recovery -
[Text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 2]
child . Parker Nell Bailey -
[Text aligned upside down along right margin of Page 2, text originates along upside down horizontally across Page 3]
that ence to past
[Text aligned upside down along bottom margin of Page 2]
Mrs. Webb had -a magnificent
audience last night and
acquitted herself finely -
(Page 3)
Mrs Webb is to be at Washington
Christmas WeeK = and I presume
will in a few weeKs pass through
Rochester - I did not learn the
precise time = I hope when She
does come a good audience may be
Secured for her - and as I have
SpoKen to her of my friends You
Mary Sarah William et al
will find her very agreeable
(Confidential ) Mrs Stowe has written to
F . D . protesting against his
misstatements about her promising
funds for the College = She has also
written to J . G . in England about
Some erroneous doing there (in
character) = and I Learn Mrs Stowe
will through the press disclaim
what F.D. has Said -
I really think She owes it to
herself to put this into execution
especially when considering the
pecuniary bestowments She has
made F.D-
[First line of text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 3]
John B. Bailey ( a relative of W.[J.?] WatKins = has named his
[Additional material inserted upside down along the lower margin and between several lines of text on Page 3]
F.D. met me Yesterday as he was Dec. 7
coming out of Lewis Haydens= Says He How do you do Mr. Nell!!!
W.W. Brown also met him but tells me
he did not return F.D. - greeting .
Did I err on the right side in acKnowledging his civility with referen[ence] the
(Page 4)
Clarissa Brown is not coming
immediately to this Country.
-.
next weeK a Social party comes
off here where If present I
Shall remember our dance at
36 Sophia St = = though I exhibited
my not my best foot on that
occasion . -
I was very sorry not to have
Seen more of Jacob as indeed I was
not at all seeing Sarah and Edmund
and Joe - But I am so glad that
Louisa enjoyed - so good a Visit
She will have stores of pleasant
recollections to beguile my Bachelor
hours with = I protest daily
against my Singleness = I am
afraid that in this particular I
shall die a Protestant -
I wanted also to have seen
Mary Cooper but it is no use to
Complain now = especially as such a
pleasure may be mine Yet - .
[Text aligned vertically along right margin of Page 4]
Love to all
Yours Fraternally W. C. Nell
[Text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 4]
Jeremiah B. Sanderson has been appointed Teacher of a Public ( Colored ) School in California !
[Text aligned vertically along the left margin of Page 4]
Mr Mays Father on ThanKsgivg Eveng = Reflection was Served up in
Tableau = as was once you remember it George Willets-
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. 21 Corn Hill refers to the anti-slavery office in Boston, where Nell worked. Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and a reform minister of the Unitarian Church. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Ira was her husband and their son’s name was also Ira. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, a Native American advocate and lawyer. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. Maria W. Chapman was an abolitionist. Both the Rochester American and the Rochester Democrat were newspapers. Mrs. Webb performed in a play titled, "The Black Siddons" during this period. Mary was Post's step-daughter, and William Hallowell was her husband. Sarah was Post's sister. Harriet Beecher Stowe was an abolitionist, who wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and former slave. Julia Griffiths supported Douglass's newspaper, the North Star. William Watkins worked with Douglass. Lewis Hayden was an abolitionist and former slave. William Wells Brown was an African American abolitionist, lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave, who escaped to the North in 1834, and wrote the first novel by an African America- Clotel. Clarissa was one of Brown's daughters.
Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street. Jacob was one of Post's sons. Edmund Willis was Sarah's husband. Joseph was another of Post's sons. Jerry B. Sanderson was a free black man, who settled in California during the gold rush and advocated to get public funding for schools that educated black students. Samuel J. May was a radical reformer, who advocated for women's rights, access to education and the abolition of slavery. George Willets was a relative of the Post family.
(Page 1)
Boston
Sunday Eve Nov 11. 1855
10 . oclock
Kind Friend Amy =
When You write do tell
me the latest from Dorcas = Phebe & Abby
Yesterday I called on Francis JacKson
and then met William Lloyd Garrison
We found Mr JacKson down stairs [sic]
dressed and appearing quite
comfortable = having enjoyed an
excellent ( comparatively ) nights rest
and enjoying an appetite -
Conversation animated = but expressive
of perfect resignation as to whether
He should remain in or leave the
body = a little hope is now indulged
of his recovery.
I hope Mr Phillips -
will be with You as expected.
Joshua R. Giddings was in the office
Yesterday = and was disappointed because
of Mr Parkers absence never having
heard him preach -
(Page 2)
Mr. Garrison while walKing with me
from Francis Jacksons stated that
J. G. had issued Circulars at the
Glasgow meeting Soliciting aid for
F. D. Paper on the ground that
It was not an Infidel Paper Vc
- - -
Wm. W. Browns Daughter Clarisse has
lately married a Young Swiss
Watch Engraver in London =and
will probably soon return to
America
Josephine is about
SeeKing School Teaching-
-
I am delighted with the idea
of Louisas meeting William and
Mary = and Sarah = How is
Edmund -
Should there appear any
notice of my BooK in Rochester Papers
please forward to me = that I may be
Sure of them. and thus
oblige Your Sincere Friend
William C. Nell
[Text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 2.]
When Mrs ^Webb^ Webb comes to Rochester
I shall give [her?] letters to You and Mary Hallow[ell?]
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Francis Jackson was an abolitionist from Boston, who was affiliated with several anti-slavery groups. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and a reform minister of the Unitarian Church. Joshua R. Giddings was an abolitionist and served in Congress. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and a former slave, who published the newspaper, the North Star.
William Wells Brown was an African American abolitionist, lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave, and after he escaped to the North in 1834, Brown wrote the first novel by an African American- Clotel. Josephine Brown was Brown’s youngest child. She attended school in France and returned to the United States in 1855 to complete a biography of her father. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. William R. Hallowell and Mary Hallowell were Post's son-in-law and step-daughter. Sarah Hallowell was Post's sister. Mrs. Webb performed in a play titled, "The Black Siddons" during this period.
(Page 1)
Mr. May has Just read to me an excellent
letter from Benjamin Fish =on presentation
of Fruit Trees for Boston Bazaar.
Boston Nov 6th1855
Kind Friend Amy
Louisa has given me
a graphic and pleasing account of
her sojourn at 36 Sophia St -
Wish I could be in two places
at once = how soon would You
See my ugly phiz popping in
to [sic] that Circle So associated in
my memory with bright and
happy experiences-
Louisa has Seen Jacob I hope
She will also have the satisfaction
of meeting my other friend Joe-
A few days since I came across
an old file of letters in the office
wherein I found Asa Anthony -
(Page 2)
Henry ^Bush^ Burtis, Elias De Garmo
John E. Robinson and others
of Rochester also one from
Your Isaac Post = Yes and my
Isaac Post too ) Sending on for
the Liberator of Mary Johnson.
-
Dr Boynton is delivering his
Geological Course here and I
have derived much satisfaction
from the three I have heard
The Sparious Tremont Temple is
Crowded. - . I remember Sarah
Hallowell speaKing of the Course,
in Rochester -
How sorry I am at
the news of Dorcas Collins illness
I so much desired to Visit
the family with Louisa
I have Just heard from Louisa Jacobs
herself and Mother are quite well
(Page 3)
Last Friday Eve FredK Douglass passed
me on his way from Charles Sumners
meeting in Faneuil Hall-
Mr. May has Just recieved [sic] a
letter from R.D. Webb . in which he
States . that Anna Richardson
declines a Visit from Julia G
and a Cousin of his although
opposed to the American A.S Society
on Orthodox grounds , Yet desired no
association with her - You need not
let outsiders Know from whence this news
was derived - - -
I hope Wendell Phillips
will speak for You on the Sunday Eve
preceding his Lyceum Lecture as he is
ready to do - - his wife though very
seldom out of her room Yesterday Visited
Francis JacKson now dangerously ill
from a Tumor in his stomach-
Theodore ParKer Visited him last Sunday
and asKed him if he did not believe that
by a strong effort of will his disease might be
(Page 4)
arrested ? Mr JacKson replied that he did not
Know but it might. but he had rather not
interfere - Mr Phillips hoped he would
endeavor to stay with us as long as possible
and that he would not be frighten
alarmed by the Doctors = He smilingly
replied . that the Doctors could not
disturb him = He has arranged his
business and is ready for the event -
which perhaps after all may not
immediately occur -
Mr Garrison has been unwell but is now
Convalescent = The Miss Westons Father
has Just died at Weymouth = and
Maria Weston Chapmans arrival from
Europe-is daily expected-
Sunday before last I presented Mr ParKer
with my BooK and last Sunday he reciprocated
with his Defence = not given before the
U.S. Courts- He is now on his
lecturing tour = Pulpit to be supplied by
Samuel Johnson of Lynn and Danl A. Wasson
of Groveland formerly an Orthodox Preacher
Tender my Kindest regards to the whole
Circle of friends = Write soon =and
believe me always Yours
- Sincere Friend
Sallie Holley has
promised to Sell my BooK. Wm C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Samuel J. May was a radical reformer, who advocated for women's rights, access to education and the abolition of slavery. Benjamin Fish was woman's rights activist, Sarah Fish's husband, who was an abolitionist and a Quaker. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. Jacob and Joseph were two of Post's sons. Asa Anthony was a cousin of Susan B. Anthony and a founding member of the Rochester Anti-Slavery Society. Henry Bush and Elias De Garmo were also abolitionists. Mary Johnson was a free, African American woman living in Massachusetts, who assisted many fugitive slaves- including Frederick Douglass. Sarah Hallowell was Post's sister. Louisa Jacobs was the daughter of author and former slave, Harriet Jacobs, who wrote the slave narrative: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.
Charles Sumner was a radical abolitionist and served in the Senate during the Civil War. Robert D. Webb was an Irish publisher and abolitionist, and one of the founders of the Hibernian Anti-Slavery Association. Anna Richardson was a British abolitionist, who bought Frederick Douglass’s freedom. Julia Griffiths financially supported Douglass's newspaper, the North Star. The American Anti- Slavery Society was formed in 1833. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. Francis Jackson was an abolitionist from Boston, who was affiliated with several anti-slavery organizations. Maria Weston Chapman worked with her sisters in the anti-slavery movement. Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and a reform minister of the Unitarian Church. Samuel Johnson graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Divinity School and worked as a clergyman and abolitionist. Sallie Holley spoke on the anti-slavery lecture circuit with Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone and Sarah Remond.
(Page 1)
Monday Morning - Sunday, } Mr Phillips will write Soon to
3 oclock PM } Mr Hallowell –But tell me that He
can lecture for him on Sunday Nov 18thpreceding
the Lyceum Lecture
at antislavery [sic] office Boston October 28th1855
Kind Friends Isaac and Amy
One week ago this hour I was
basking in the sunlight of Your conversation
at my Rochester Home 136 Sophia Street -
Let me give a brief SKetch of my happenings
Since Thursday 10.40 A.M. when I left
You in a Snow Storm [sic]. = This continued
until we reached the Mohawk Valley
where no snow was Visible except upon
the CatsKill Mountains- I met in the
Cars Mr Baker Editor of a Free Soil Paper in
Detroit = who with his wife were interesting
themselves over Mr Douglass.’ Bondge [sic] and
Freedom = also Geo W. [Bungay?] greeted me
en route to Little Falls = another Springfield
Gentleman readily availed himself of my BooK
to read and complimented the author
Dined at Syracuse Globe Hotel
in honor of its proprietor Ira G
Garrison
(Page 2)
arrived at Albany about 7= walKing on
Broadway met W.H. Topp to whose
House I was despatched [sic] meeting a
cordial welcome= and where I remain
until daylight = ^Lydia Mott & Phebe Jones had gone to New York^
when after Some mistakes
all ending right side up I pushed on
my way = Saw Snow on the Hills of
Berkshire = met Gerrit Smith in the
Depot at Springfield =who told me
he left Boston before the closing
meeting of the Radical Political
Abolition meeting = Dr Smith did
not fulfil [sic] his promise made to me
in Philadelphia of coming to Boston
to give us fits = = The Convention
was thinly attended and despite
F=D. bitter speech has left no
very tangible impression = and I found
Faneuil Hall and the State House in the
Same Spot where I left them and
William Lloyd Garrison Still lives
Some of the reliable Colored Citizens
told me they hope Gerrit Smith will
(Page 3)
influence Mr Douglass to modify
his speeches or they will injure him
and his cause more than he is aware
his trying to winK out of sight the
Old Society is ’‘ [too big a bow for?]
too much of an undertaKing in
fact impossible -
Sallie Holley laments much his
State of mind= She heard his Speech.
Last evening I accompanied her and
Miss Putnam to the Salem Depot and
introduced her to Ellis Gray Loring Esq
Wendell Phillips delivers the first of
the Salem antislavery [sic] lectures this Eve.
Garrison has gone to New Bedford.
John P. Hale was at Music Hall to
hear Theodore ParKer this morning
who elaborated a very interesting
and radical discourse =suggested
by the events of the past weeK The
Farmers and the Mechanics Fair
= Military V= Sims Brigade
and Burrs Regiment were
appropriately remembered
(Page 4)
on approaching the ten mile
Suburbs of Boston unsurpassed
in romantic beauty = the weather was
lovely indeed =I did not reach
home any too soon = The office has
been under repairs = a new floor
Vc and my BooKs which taKe well
required my immediate presence.
Some to whom I Showed my
Spiritual Communication were
SKeptical because coming from my
Parents I was addressed as Brother
I rely upon Your expressing
to the Rochester friends whom I
Could not see my sincere regret
and the causes why –
To all at 36 Sophia St (including
William and Mary) please tender my
grateful remembrance of Kindnesses
shown by them during my brief sojourn
I did not mean to leave the Postage
Unpaid for Henry Collins letter –
I remain ever Fraternally Yours Wm C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activists, Amy and Isaac Post. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. William R. Hallowell was the Posts' son-in-law. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street. Members of the Free Soil Party opposed the expansion of slavery into the Western territories. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and former slave, who had published an autobiography, titled My Bondage, My Freedom. William H. Topp was a tailor and a black abolitionist from Albany, New York. Lydia Mott was woman's rights activist, Lucretia Mott's sister-in-law. Nell describes his time in Western Massachusetts. Gerrit Smith was an abolitionist. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. Sallie Holley was an abolitionist, who spoke on the anti-slavery lecture circuit with Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone and Sarah Remond. The members of the Putnam family as well as Ellis Gray Loring were abolitionists. John P. Hale was a leader of the Free Soil Party and an abolitionist. Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and a reform minister of the Unitarian Church. The Sim’s Brigade and Burr's Regiment were companies that fought during the American Revolutionary War. Nell refers to the Spiritualist movement, whose followers believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. Mary was the Posts' daughter.
(Page 1)
Worcester Oct. 1. 1855
Dear Friend Amy
Your letter
informing me of your de-
cision to have a course
of genuine Anti Slavery [sic]
Lectures was duly received,
also William Hallowells letter
at Boston-
I am very, very glad
that you have thus resolved
Wendell Phillips will lecture
there, but can’t fix the
time just yet – can’t give
the opening Lecture though-
I saw Theodore Parker
in his study, & expressed
to him my regret that he
had engaged to Lecture
for the Radical Political Abolitionist
told him that some of that
society objected to his being
(Page 2)
invited to speak for them
on account of his Infidelity
he ejaculated with no
little warmth- “ What did
they invite me for?”
Because your name
will draw a full house
& their slim purse be
thereby replenished- said I -
he seemed really per-
plexed- at length said
he, “why can’t I lecture
for you too- I have
two lectures which I
want to give in Rochester
I of course was happy
that he should lecture
for us too- & he will
try & open the course
for us- will write
you as soon as he
can fix upon the
time- Remond & Garri
son will speak in Rochester
(Page 3)
Lucy Stone will let
you know her decision
very soon- I hope you
will ask Antoinette too-
John Mercer Langstone
would do great credit to
the Cause, & would I
think accept an invitation
to Lecture for us – You
will recollect that he
expressed himself- in en
tire sympathy with the
our side of the question
in that McCune Smith
attack - - he is a
scholar ^too^ & proves much
for the capacity of a
man of 1/16 African blood
Will you invite Sam
uel J. May of Syracuse
he, provided all accept
would give us six Lectures
which would make a
very respectable course –
(Page 4)
I spent week ago Sunday
with Charles Remond & his
most excellent wife at their
home- she talked much
of you- said the Rochester
goods were on her table
last year- that every thing [sic]
sold off quickly- particularly
the little aprons & night
caps – could have sold
many many more if she
had had them-
I think Parker will open
the course finely- then we
shall have the advantage of
novelty, on his first speaking-
I had a delightful time
with Mr. Garrison, it seemed he
could not do enough for my enjoy-
ment- Francis Jackson also took me
about town- I must stop here a
few weeks yet – Oh I long to be at
work again- Shall be happy to hear
from you & William & Mary- do please
tell me the [A. D. W. R?] news – Love to you all
From Susan B. Anthony
Susan B. Anthony, a woman’s rights activist, writes from Worcester, Massachusetts to fellow activist, Amy Post. William Hallowell was Post's son-in-law. Wendell Phillips, Theodore Parker, Charles Lenox Remond, William Lloyd Garrison, John Mercer Langstone, James McCune Smith, Samuel J. May and Francis Jackson were all abolitionist leaders. Lucy Stone was a woman's rights leader and lecturer. Antoinette Brown was one of the first female ministers. Mary Post was Post's step- daughter and William Hallowell was her son-in-law.
(Page 1)
[Two lines of text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 1]
I heard that John Dick was Foreman
in the Globe office and doing well.
Liberty Grove = Greenwood Station
South Reading Mass
Sunday Morning 9 O.clock August 12. 1855
Esteemed Friend = My Second Sunday
vacation from Music Hall has enabled my attendance
here today from whence a party will proceed to
Reading 3 miles distant = to dedicate Liberty Hall
as did as was the Grove here two weeks since to
the Cause of Humanity = Garrison Phillips and
J.N. Buffum will come up from Lynn
Charles Remond and a delegation also from
Salem= Wm W. Brown and Youngest
Daughter Josephine came out with me-
Monday morning 9 oclock
Here I am at the Anti Slavery [sic] office 21 Cornhill
Wm W Brown and Daughter gone up town
( Rev A. T. Foss Just returned from an
antislavery [sic] tour ) =I will endeavor to
resume my letter= From South Reading
we rode three miles to Reading Centre
where under auspices of Ira Gray (not my
Brother in Law=) the new Hall had been
finished and a beautiful place indeed
we found it = Every association had
combined to render the meeting
interesting and impressive –
(Page 2)
[One line of text written upside down along top margin Page 2]
No recent news from Jeremiah.
The weather most delightful = audiences large
and intelligent and enthusiastic = Garrison
Phillips and Remond in No 1 Condition
Friends hospitable and Fraternal-
Remond had 7. with him including 2 Visitors from Philadelp [sic]
Reading was the first place that furnished Mr Garrison
with Credentials on his first mission to England
Remond =also stated that it was where he delivered his
first antislavery lecture-
I very much desired My Rochester Circle present
I came near not mentioning that two of the
Hutchinson Brothers and thier [sic] wives were also
present = thier [sic] Songs of freedom I need not
tell You were very inspiring-
=
Harriet Jacobs has recently heard direct
from her Brother and Son at Paramatta near
Sydney Australia = = Louisa is now I believed
at New Bedford- So the Spirits have
testified truly about them-
-
The Woman Jane Johnson for
whom Passmore Williamson has
been imprisoned = I had the pleasure
of escorting from the Depot in Boston
recently on her destination = She
is a Woman who can taKe care
of herself= there are Some others
here attending upon Southern Women
[Text aligned along bottom of left margin Page 2]
[obliterated] news from testimony
(Page 3)
as Yet I can report nothing definite of thier [sic]
intelligent aspirations for Freedom-
Mrs Knox tenders her love and
Kind remembrances to her Friends
in Rochester.
One week Yesterday I
spent a happy time at Salem
Mrs Remond wished me to
tell You that She had the pleasure
of having most of the Rochester
Goods on her table at the Bazaar
last December = and that they sold
very readily especially Night Caps
Childrens Aprons V= and She
hopes for more of the Same
Sort= a hint to the wise
is sufficient-
I meant to have told
You that Horace Greely took charge
of Josephine Brown = from Liverpool
to New York= = I met her at the
Depot 5 oclock Thursday morning
She is quite tall = accomplished and
well appearing Her Father seems
remarkably devoted and She as
cordially reciprocates –
Mrs Webb (BlacK siddons) is now under
patronage of Mrs Stowe and other friends
[Text aligned vertically along left margin of Page 3]
next Sunday I may attend the Haverhill
antislavery [sic] meeting-
(Page 4)
Spending the summer at Andover attended
to the City by Mrs Stowe or Daughters and
is practising [sic] with Teachers in Boston
for Dramatic excellence = Mrs Stowe
has recently been specially bountiful to
Sojourner Truth causing the old
womans heart to feel happy and
free-
Very Glad with Your
Chapter of Rochester News = it is
So pleasant to hear from my good
friends there all of them
Isaac is getting well. thats
good, tell him to shaKe off
the SicKness= and be himself
again-
I hope^Trust^ Sarah Birney:= hopes
will all be realised by renewing the
scenes of her Youth = I would liKe to
See her = once more before She Sails
Does She intend returning
Divide my best wishes among
the Circle which you can do without
my naming and believe me Truly [obliterated] Yours
Wm C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from South Reading, Massachusetts to fellow activist, Amy Post. John Dick worked as a printer for the North Star- the newspaper that abolitionist and former slave, Frederick Douglass published. The Globe refers to an abolitionist newspaper. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the Liberator. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and a lawyer. J.N. Buffum was a member of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. Charles Lenox Remond was an orator and an abolitionist. William W. Brown was an African American abolitionist lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. After escaping from slavery in 1834, he published the first novel written by an African American, title Clotel.
Nell refers to Jeremiah Sanderson, a free black man, who had recently moved to California to explore business opportunities. The Hutchinson Family Singers used music to promote the abolitionist cause and other reform movements. Harriet Jacobs was the author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl and a former slave. Louisa was her daughter. Abolitionists rescued the slave, Jane Johnson and her children, when their master brought them to Philadelphia. Their master brought his case to court, and the case became known as the “Philadelphia Slave Case”. Passmore Williamson was the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society and served several months in jail for being in contempt of court. Horace Greeley was a newspaper editor, who founded the New York Tribune and became a leader of the Republican Party. Josephine Brown was William Wells Brown’s youngest child, who attended school in France, and returned in 1855 to write a biography of her father. Mrs. Webb was a member of the theatrical group, the Black Siddons, who performed Uncle Tom's Cabin, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Sojourner Truth was a former slave, who after escaping from slavery became an abolitionist and woman's rights leader. Sarah Birney was a mutual friend of Nell and Post.
Boston July 16 1855
My Kind Friend
Amy Post
Harriet Jacobs
last letter= mentioning You moved my taKing
the pen to enquire about the friends I
used to Know at 36 Sophia St
I hope Isaac [Aque?] has
deserted the Post and by this time he
feels enabled to boast of its being no
great shaKes after all-
I need not tell You how many
times during our Boston Anniversary I
missed You= You would have found good
cheer and without cost = and it was
I think the climax of the Series –
There was a nice collation table
spear near the Melodeon – where the
good friends would have been so glad to
meet You = when not at Francis Jacksons
Mr Garrisons or elsewhere = But it is all
over now= and Yesterday too in
Crossing our beautiful (now more than
ever) Boston Common on my way to
Music Hall and these discovering
Theodore Parker promenading the mall
(Page 2)
gleaning inspiration which he
abundantly dispersed to his large
and intelligent audience- It was a
picture of Country life= So full and
SparKling with the gems of his characteristic
intellect= I wished You there as I
often do= when Shall that pleasure
be mine of seeing the Rochester Circle
within those walls-
Please reciprocate the Kind expressions
forwarded me from William R. Hallowell
in letter to Mr Wallcut= I presume half
of it belongs to Mary
How is my choice friend
Sarah = does She live now close by –
as before= remember me to Mr Willis
Has Sarah Birney recovered
I hope so= Mary and Willie must
be sure to keep well-
I . have heard of Josephs
additional cares = but not a word
Yet of Jacobs marriage-
He is not so unfortunate
as I am= why then dont the
Young Gentleman walK up.
Time is flying= waKe up
Jacob= and be a happy Husband
(Page 3)
Miss Tilton – a chorister at Theodore Parkers
Church a few Sundays since made Known to
me that she had been under Spiritual
influence for twelve Years= had cured diseases
v= and was about under thier [sic] guidance on a
January to Chicago = Mr Parker entered the
anteroom meanwhile and for the first time
heard the statement = You Know he is rather
sKeptical on the subject = but as I understand
now regards it more attentively -
I. gave Miss Tilton letters to Leah as she
was to pass through New York = Do tell me
if You ever heard of her -
Harriet Jacobs = spiritual revelations
of John and Joseph have proved correct
How goes matters in Rochester
among the anti Slavery [sic] Women
Will Miss Griffiths return soon^?^
-
I learn that John Dick having
been unhandsomely dealt with by
the Provincial Freeman is now
Foreman in the Globe office
and prospering = I was much
disappointed not Visiting Toronto
last Fall –
(Page 4)
I have been some expecting a western
trip this autumn but may be disappointed
We are now arranging for Equal
School Rights Victory in Boston
Vacation of 5 or 6 weeks = and in September
Forward March = = I shall have
more to say on this by and bye-
I hear as usual from Dorcas
and Phebe= - I wonder if Phebe is doomed
to a life of Single Blessedness ? who can
answer? She ought to follow in
Abbys footsteps = all things being equal
I Know the above has made You
Smile perhaps out loud = well
theres no harm in that = that I
know of- - -
I presume You and
Sarah have not forgot our slieghride [sic]
to Alexander St-
Please remember me to
the anti Slavery [sic] Circle = How often I
feel myself one among them = Sincerely
I remain as ever
Your Friend Wm C. Nell.
[Text aligned upside down along top margin Page 4]
With the exception of Neuralogic Head
ache I am quite well
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Harriet Jacobs was the author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl and was a former slave. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street. Francis Jackson was an abolitionist from Boston, and affiliated with several different abolitionist groups, including the Boston Vigilance Committee. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the Liberator. Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and a reform minister of the Unitarian Church. William R. Hallowell was Post's son-in-law married to Mary Hallowell. R.F. Wallcut published an anti-slavery pamphlet containing a speech by Reverend Bleby. Sarah was Post's sister, and Edmund P. Willis was her husband. Sarah Birney was a mutual friend of Nell and Post's. Willie was Post's youngest son and Mary took care of him as a child. Jacob and Joseph are older Post's sons. Elizabeth Tilton was Theodore Tilton's wife. He was co-editor of The Independent, a New York abolitionist newspaper. Nell refers to the Spiritualist movement, begun by Leah, Margaret and Catherine Fox. Its followers believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. Julia Griffiths financially supported the North Star, the newspaper published by abolitionist and former slave, Frederick Douglass. John Dick worked as Douglass’s printer. The school rights movement compelled the Boston public school system to provide support to schools that educated black children. Phebe and Abby Thayer were relatives of the Post family.
(Page 1)
Boston June 25. 1855
Dear Friend Jacob
Henry C. Wright
expecting to leave for the west in the
morning has prompted my inditing [sic] a
line to thee by way of acKnowledging
Your favor Some time Since
I am now unable to
tell when Charles Lenox Remond and
myself will leave for Rochester
He is about going to House Keeping
when that important matter is settled
other things being favorable we shall
probably start .
My health has been
much improved by occasional trips
from the City= and though now
the attended by Some unfavorable
Symptoms am assured by Dr Bowditch
that a visit Westward will prove
beneficial
Remond has now a
beautiful Horse = carries himself
fine indeed as good looKing an
animal as can be seen in Essex-
(Page 2)
This morning I recieved [sic] a
letter from Harriet Jacobs at
New Bedford = She says her Brother
is well and doing well at the
mines .
George Thompson left
today= I wish You could
have attended his Farewell
Levee= One thousand and
thirty eight plates spread
and Yet liKe Oliver Twist
the Cry was “For more” -
Please accept this as if it
was a good letter from
Your Sincere Friend
Love to
all William C. Nell
[Text written horizontally across back of Page 2]
Jacob K. Post
Kindly forwarded Rochester
N.Y.
Henry C. Wright
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to Jacob Post, Amy and Isaac Post's son. Reverend Henry C. Wright was a member of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. Charles Lenox Remond was an abolitionist leader. William Ingersoll Bowditch served as Treasurer of the Anti-Slavery Society, and opened his home as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Harriet Jacobs was a former slave and author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. John Jacobs was her brother. George Thompson was a British abolitionist and orator. Nell refers to Charles Dickens's book Oliver Twist.
(Page 1)
Boston April 8. 1855
Kind friend Amy Post -
This Sunday Morning who
should I behold entering
Music Hall but Mrs Colman
and Mrs Raymond= I hope to
meet them at 21 Cornhill
-
My purpose in now
writing is to asK of you
the favor to deliver to
Frances Nell Cleggett the
accompanying letter
She left here two weeKs
since via New Haven
destined for Rochester
But to the present not
having heard from her
(Page 2)
we are very anxious to
hear= I Know You will
if possible confer upon
us this Kindness.
Fast Day I was
At Salem =Charles Lenox
Remond and Wife
enquired of and Send
greetings to Yourself and
the Rochester Circle
-
You percieve [sic] by the
Liberator that the
prospect of our
(Page 3)
now obtaining
Equal School Rights
is almost Certain
Had I time I would
liKe to tell You how
hard my worK has
been in the matter
this winter = indeed
I have Kept at it all
the time = Hope on
Hope ever
Nil Desperandum
(Page 4)
Garrisons recent
Liberator Sonnet -
My Chosen Queen
was originally written
in Mrs Chars Remonds
Album = the response
to W. . L. . G = by C.L.F.
was by Miss Foster = a
young Lady not eighteen
now at Salem in the
Normal School=
she is a Niece of
Robert Purvis.
In haste but Sincerely
Yours Wm C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Lucy N. Coleman was an abolitionist and woman’s rights activist. Mrs. Remond was abolitionist leader, Charles Lenox Remond's wife. 21 Cornhill was the address of the Boston anti-slavery office. Frances Nell Cleggett was Nell's sister. Nell refers to radical abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison's newspaper, the Liberator. Nell writes the Latin phrase "Nil Desperandum", or no need to despair. Robert Purvis was an African American abolitionist.
(Page 1)
I am soon to accept Jerrys invitation
of spending a few days with his family
at Wareham
Boston March 16. 1855
Sunday PM. 4 ½ oclock
My Esteemed Friend
Amy Post
Dr. Delany
expecting to leave in the morning for
Westward Ho (and who will Soon be
here for this letter) has Somewhat
hastened my acKnowledgement of Your
Characteristic Kind letter of 3d inst
I. recieved [sic] it on my return from
Salem where I had enjoyed Ten
days the Hospitalities of the Putman
and Remond families = for You perhaps
have not Known that for nearly
3 months I. have been an invalid
and though now much better
and feeling an encouraging prospect
Yet I. have passed through a Crisis
which though Some thought little of
many of my friends regarded it as
Serious and indeed now have
thier [sic] apprehensions = a Series of Colds
each but partially cured at last brought
an emission of blood from the left
Lung = Dr. Bowditchs examination
led his assuring me = that there was no
(Page 2)
Ulceration and but little if any
irritation = =for one weeK I did
not leave my room = Mrs Weeden
^and Kept^ my Landlady was very attentive
my Sister Louisa . God bless Her
was with me most of the time
and the medical sKill of Dr Bowditch
with the Kindness of friends have
through Providence = placed me on my
feet again = though for 2 months
Six weeKs I have not been out evenings
after I left my room I remained in
the House a long time indeed for me
at one time Wendell Phillips Esq
Chas Lenox Remond and Joseph H Putman
were my Company = it were
I almost thought it a privilege to be
SicK = if Such a Trio of Visitors Could
thus meet in my Sanctum
Had I not been SicK in all probability
I should have been present at the
arrest of Shadrach and stood a
Chance to share the glory now
monopolized by a few of my friends
Stigmatised as Rioters =but let
us work our on = faithfully for
^as we may.^
“The Night is long that never finds the Day
(Page 3)
I wish I could tell You my experience
in the Fugitive Slave department
Since the excitement = but there will
not be room for me to commence
all the talK I would have with You
While at Salem =both families done thier [sic]
best for my comfort and at Mrs. Putmans
Herself and Daughters all =rivalled [sic] each other
in thier [sic] contributions of Kind offices while my
Valued friend Joe and his wife were
always putting thier [sic] Heads together for the
my happiness = I cannot detail = but
let me add a line concerning one
of whom You and Sarah have so often
heard mention of at 36 Sophia St = Helen
never appeared to me more interesting –
She now supports herself as Tailoress
and bids fair to become as we say here
a Star Woman = Who the Individual is
that is to recieve [sic] the promise of her Heart
and Hand is as much of a mystery
to me however as ever—
Yours is always a welcome name with
the family =–
Charles Lenox Remond soon expects to
Commence HouseKeeping with his
amiable Bride (Every one admires Her
(Page 4)
Yesterday. Wendell Phillips Esq. and myself
appeared before the Legislative Committee at
the State House in favor of a monument to
AttucKs the Colored man who first fell
in the Boston Massacre 5th March 1770.
Mr. Garrison is better and told me how sorry
he felt in not being able to accept Your
Home as his while Kind offer = He seems
to be ^as^ partial towards the Post = Circle as I
Claim the honor of being myself-
As You have Seen and heard George
Thompson =I need not say one word
on the matter
I have made but a poor letter = and
must even now draw to a Close =I
must prepare a line for FranK
What truth is there in the Expose of
Rochester KnocKings = Knee Joints Vc –
I wish Leah would find it convenient to
leave my Musical Scraps and BooKs with you
You will surely tender my expressions
of Kind Remembrance to all the Household.
If I am not burdening You with requests I will
put down the Numbers of the North Star missing
1850 } I am to answer Jacobs 2d letter this
No 10 Feb 29 .} Evening
" 27 June 27 .} I am Gratefully Your Friend
" 38 Sept 12 .} William C. Nell
" 39 " 19th
" 40 " 26
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Nell refers to Jeremiah Sanderson, a free black man who worked for education reform. Dr. Martin Robinson Delany was an African American abolitionist and physician. Joseph Putnam was an abolitionist and Charles Lenox Remond's brother-in-law. Remond was an abolitionist leader. William Ingersoll Bowditch served as Treasurer of the Anti-Slavery Society, and opened his home as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and a lawyer. Nell refers to the arrest of escaped slave, Shadrach. Nell references a quotation from Macbeth: "The Night is long that never finds the Day". Georgiana Putnam was Joseph Putnam’s sister. The Boston school district fired Georgiana because she supported a petition to end segregation in schools. Sarah was Post's sister. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the Liberator. George Thompson was a British abolitionist and orator. Frank was one of Nell's sisters. Nell refers to the Spiritualism movement, whose followers believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. Leah Fox Fish was the older sister of Spiritualist founders, Margaret and Catherine. Abolitionist and former slave, Frederick Douglass published the North Star. Jacob was Post's son.
(Page 1)
[Five lines of text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 1]
Monday Morning
Just seen a little Girl
whose Voice= features
and action reminded me of
Joanna.
Boston March 11
1855
Kind friend
Amy Post
Perhaps has forgot
that She has for Several weeKs been
owing me a letter =waiting anxiously
for the Same has prevented my
writing = until now it seems
necessary to remind her of the
facts in the case = though liKely
enough She may be at this time
(Sunday Eve = 8 oclocK ) penning me
a few lines from 36 Sophia Street
Many things that I had
resolved upon telling thee
have now become old
I have Just responded to Dorcas
Collins . Phebe Thayer and Harriet
Jacobs the later expects to be in
New York during Anniversary week
with Louisa = I hope to be there
also and Shake Amy & Isaac Post
by the hand for “Auld Lang Syne
Do tell me How is William R
Hallowell and good Mary his wife
(Page 2)
Sarah H. and Edmund P. Willis
Jacob and Joseph and also
FranK tells me that Sarah
Birney is getting better I am
very glad indeed to hear the
good news = tell her to be
hopeful = =
So You see FranK
has returned to Boston = we
trust to stop here = the question
is not Yet decided upon Benjamins
Voyage to California-
Has Isaac Post = given
up his Store? Who succeeds him.
Tell Jacob that Charles
Remond has Sold Lucy Stone
and now has Ida May
and Clotel =
As I am no
Judge of Horse flesh he must
learn of thier [sic] relative abilities
from W Wells Brown or
other post ed up
Friend-
(Page 3)
The past week has been prolific
with anti slavery [sic] interest -
The Loring Legislation –
Return of Anthony Burns –
Arrival of the little White Slave
Ida May and also of
Solomon Northrup who I
introduced to Theodore Parker at
Music Hall this forenoon and
Yesterday to Wendell Phillips at 21 Cornhill
Remember me to Willie and
Mary Ann PitKin --
I am happy to say that my
health is Yet in an encouraging
State = as perhaps You may
have supposed me married
let me undeceive You =
I'm single Yet-
I presume Jacob is about
being annexed? is it so.
I dont Know who is responsible for the
following which I insert for benefit
of Jacob and Joseph.
[Text from newspaper clipping attached to bottom of Page 3]
Dreadful Joke.
William.-"There, Amy! what do you say to those for a Pair of Moustachios?"
Amy. -"Why, I should say that calling those
Moustachios was giving to 'Hairy Nothing a Local
Habitation and a Name. '"(For Shame, Amy.)
(Page 4)
I shall be expecting a letter
laden with Rochester News
for which I promise to be
duly grateful –
Sallie Holley and Miss Putnam
are occasionally in the office
Miss Holley has not Yet spoKen
publicly in Boston = She is very
diffident and unnecessarily So
as her speaking is attended
with great Success elsewhere
-
Please distribute my remembrances
of the Whole Circle of
anti slavery [sic] friends –
and believe me
Ever Faithfully Yours
William C. Nell
[Page 1]
Phil – Jan 8- 1855
Dear friends
Isaac & Amy Post
The bearer Wm
Still intending to visit Canada,
may pass through Rochester.
& I take the liberty of giving him
an introduction to you- For
several years past he has been em-
ployed as clerk in the A. S. office
in this city - & is also the active agent
of the Vigilance Committee, in assist-
ing & forwarding fugitives, in which
line he has done much, & will no
doubt meet with many in Canada
who will recognise him as one who
has been to them a friend in need.
His object in making the visit, is
to see how it fares with them &
their brethren, who are banished
[Page 2]
for their love of liberty –
I commend Wm Still to your
kindness as a [new?] friend, one that
we esteem & for whom we have
a high regard.
Your friend
James Mott
(Page 1)
Boston January 2d 1855
Kind Friend Amy
Mr. and Mrs. Webb are now
in the office = they are writing to Samuel J. May
at Syracuse to arrange a reading these
and She is ready and willing to occupy an
evening in Rochester = and as I understand
her, for the terms You pay to others from
abroad = Her present eastern engagements
terminate on the 10th inst after which She
is for Westward Ho =
Now let me suggest
Your immediate writing to Mr May - and
as he will have Mrs Webbs letter You
Syracuse and Rochester can promote an
arrangement Satisfactory to all parties if
a letter is despatched [sic] here for Mrs. Webb -
Soon as possible (she prefers of cous
Mr. Garrison lectures in
Buffalo the next evening after Rochester and
Samuel J. May has arranged for other lectures
of Mr Garrison in Central and Western New York
I am glad of this and so are You-
What with typographical errors and Omissions
the Presentation report is not what it might be
(Page 2)
But upon the whole is satisfactory for the
meeting was a grand one
Though my friends tell me I succeeded
very well =I Know not how I got
through = I carne very near breaKing
down at least once = but I hopefully
Survive = and all seem Satisfied
-
Francis Jackson is ordinarily well was
in the office Just now = So was
Wendell Phillips = of whom You are
very much mistaken in supposing any
aversion for Rochester = It is not his
likes or dislikes but Solely his
engagements that reluctantly prevent
his acquiescence in Your request .
The Bazaar closed last evening with
a full company =and pleasant time
indeed = The reciepts [sic] about $5000!
memory occasionally Sends a thought
to Your Circles Bazaar at Minerva
Hall = those were happy days for
the faithful of Rochester=
what a Cloud has since interposed
but thier [sic] Vision is strong -and the Sun is not
(Page 3)
obscured for all that-
Andrew T. Foss has had such a
Spiritual experience a day or two since
in Boston = (communications from a
Daughter) as to cause his saying to me
in presence of Mr Wallcut-
Well to day [sic] I am a believer what
ever I may be in the future-
One antislavery [sic] friend in the Bazaar
last evening promised to secure a
portion of my parlor furniture if I
would get married = I declared
my hope to be annexed to
Somebody (I don't Know who) during
this Year = and so I will if I
can = Now how You and
Jacob and Sarah and Mary Johnson
at and others are laughing –
Well laugh away = Sarah Burtis
is I believe to present me among
other things with a choice
Basket of Fruit from thier [sic]
unrivalled Orchard on Genesee St
My Rochester Collection will be a fine one
(Page 4)
Hope Lewis Burtis is all right again-
Next Spring ifnothing prevents
I shall spend a day in Rochester
and have a nice time with my
friends. =
You will please remember
me to all the Circle = I need not
name them.
Louisa and myself
have Rochester as a Standing
Subject of Conversation She
remembers You and the friends
with special regard =She did not
get introduced to Mrs Kedzie -
I am sorry but it cant be helped now
She had a good time I expect
with Sarah Burtis.
I Knew she would liKe Mary and Sarah
Hope William R. Hallowell has driven
off his Cold = Wm. W. Brown sends greeting
I would liKe to be at 36 Sophia St during
New Year Week = wishing Isaac Amy
and a very happy New Year I remain
Sincerely Yours Wm. C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Samuel J. May was a radical reformer, who advocated for women's rights, education reform and the abolition of slavery. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the Liberator. Annie Wood Webb was an abolitionist. Francis Jackson was an abolitionist from Boston, who was affiliated with several anti-slavery organizations, including the Boston Vigilance Committee. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. Andrew T. Foss was an abolitionist lecturer for the Massachusetts Anti-slavery Society. He believed in Spiritualism- a religious belief that advocated speaking through mediums to communicate with the dead.
R.F. Walcutt published an anti-slavery pamphlet containing a speech by Reverend Bleby. Jacob was Post's son, Sarah was her sister and Mary Johnson was a free black woman, who lived in Massachusetts and helped many slaves escape from the South. Sarah Burtis was Susan B. Anthony’s second cousin. She was a Quaker, woman’s rights leader, abolitionist and a Temperance advocate. Lewis was her husband. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Mrs. Kedzie was involved in the Spiritualist movement. William R. Hallowell was Post's son-in-law. Mary was Post's step- daughter. William W. Brown was an African American abolitionist lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave and escaped to the North in 1834, where he wrote the first novel by an African American: Clotel, as well as Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street in Rochester.
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. Charles Sumner was a Massachusetts Senator and a radical abolitionist. Joseph Hayes resigned as Captain of the Watch and Police to avoid executing the Fugitive Slave Law. The new law made it illegal for anyone to aid escaping slaves. Nell refers to Anthony Burns, a runaway slave, who members of the Boston anti-slavery community tried to protect from slave catchers. The lawfulness of their actions was brought to court and Burns was eventually returned to his master. Lewis Hayden was a former slave and an abolitionist leader. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Ira was her son. Mary Hayden Green Pike wrote the anti-slavery novel, Ida May. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote the novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Theodore Parker was a Transcendentalist and a reform minister in the Unitarian Church. Stephen S. Foster was a radical abolitionist and a woman’s rights activist. Sally Holley traveled as an anti-slavery lecturer with Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone and Sarah Remond, and others. Sarah Hallowell Willis was Post’s sister. Joseph was Post's son. Willie was Post's youngest son and Mary Ann took care of him as a child. William and Mary Hallowell were Post's son-in-law and step- daughter. William W. Brown was an African American abolitionist lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. He was born a slave and escaped to the North in 1834, where he wrote the first novel by an African American: Clotel, as well as Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave. Charles Lenox Remond was a lecturer and an abolitionist leader.
(Page 1)
Kind friend Boston Nov 21. 1854
Amy Post
Thy excellent letter is now
before me = also one from P.R.T. of Waterloo
another from J.H.P. Australia = a note
from Dr Smith of New YorK =- This evening I
remained at the anti slavery [sic] office until near
9. writing = then intending to call upon Louisa
and some other friends = but they had gone
out and though I would have been a welcome
Visiter [sic] elsewhere I turned my Bachelor steps
homeward and here I am = in the setting room
while the family are enjoying a Sociable Chat
I am talKing to You with my pen.
I was unprepared for the news of Sarah
Birneys indisposition = hope by this time she is more
hopeful ^cer tain^ [sic] of recovery == She cannot be in better
quarters than 36 Sophia St with Amy Post for
a Nurse = Jacob too Is an excellent auxiliary in
all such emergencies. = Dont I Know = and shall
I ever forget? Tell Sarah to be hopeful and patient
anti slavery office } I am exceedingly sorry that Wm R.
6 P M Wednesday }
Hallowell did not secure Mr Phillips for an anti-
slavery lecture at Rochester = had he been a little
sooner Syracuse would have deferred until another
time = I done what I could and Mr Phillips was
in the mood for it. but in maKing out his Programme (Page 2)
Could not fill out = for Rochester or other places
without assurance the Committees ^Individuals^ in each locality-
refer ^This^ disappointment leads ^reminds^ me of further lament
the Success which seems to attend the managers
of the Rochester Anti Slavery Course =V= not that
I would wish to prevent it from doing what
good it may but that Such victories should
perch upon such banners is hard to be
endured. - I presume the Old Standard
bearers are entirely cut off from Social
intercourse with ParKer. Emerson Giddings
V= when they visit Rochester =and the
Usurping party appropriate to themselves
more certainly than belongs to them
I. had been led to expect that
Henry Ward Beecher felt mis used [sic] and Yet
behold = his promise not only to lecture V-
but volunteers the proceeds to the New
Organization and to F.D.s paper well
well. how art =- what magic and
potency Seems embodied in J.. G. = I sit not
a Shame that She should thus remain
so successful = when the resources of genuine
anti slavery [sic] in Rochester would be formidable
if roused up by a gallant spirit and
marshalled [sic] (not against the good but)
put forth by others but) in righteous and
consistent defence of themselves and thier [sic] position
(Page 3)
Phebe Thayer confirms the good news in Your letter
of the Sewing Circle progress V= I was delighted
and wish I was one among You in person
as I am happy to be in spirit = how
refreshing is the retrospect of Minerva Hall
Fair V= before Rochester affairs were
Griffithised- = Before I forget it let me
tell You that Mr Garrison says “Yes let the
Book come with the Bazaar Box”= he had a
grand time at Rochester = He awards a fine
tribute to the executiveness of Susan Anthony
Calling last Sunday Evening to see Mr
Phillips on some legislative anti slavery [sic] matters
I was met by Mr Garrison and his wife whose
invitation to tea I accepted and I enjoyed
a cosey [sic] hour in his happy family circle
He played and sung old psalm tunes
the Children put in thier [sic] sweet voices =
a little heaven on earth = his house
is but a stones throw from Francis Jackson -
situated liKe Fitzhugh & Sophia St. but nearer
I believe they can speaK from house to house
Joe Putman = writes me = “what would
the anti slavery [sic] cause be without the
Liberator and what would the Liberator
be without Mr Garrison” thats the way to
Say it thems my Sentiments -
By the Bye are you coming to Boston with the Box
Yes? Well I am very glad to hear You say so.
[Text aligned vertically along left margin of Page 3]
J.H.P. has not heard of or seen J.S. Jacobs in Australia -
(Page 4)
Mrs Knox at last accounts was a guest of Dr Willis
in Toronto = I see her Husband nearly every day
he by the bye = is a sceptic [sic] in Spiritual manifestation
and sometimes counteracts the operations -
I was very much interested with Judge Edmonds
lecture here = he had a large and intelligent
audience among them Josiah Quincy Jr and
Lady = The Judge severely criticised the
Free Love notions disclaiming it ^^as^ a legitimate
feature of Spiritualism = the Spiritual Fair
was held the evening previous = I attended
hoping to meet Catherine Fish = but She
was Non Et inventus = I had a chat
with Eliza & Mary Kenny = = The former has
been inactive this Season in her usual
anti slavery [sic] efforts in Salem = much to the
grief of the Society = She told me that
She considered antislavery [sic] included in her
Spiritualism V=
I hope Frank will show
herself at the Sewing Circles = perhaps
Phebe (Sentimental) Treadwell will Join her. in
the When Mr Kedzie has stopped his Liberator
perhaps John E. Robinson will resume.
By the Bye Watkins was in Providence
recently and was expected here but
has gone elsewhere = Is he assisting at
the office now -= But then I need not
have asked You- for these days are not liKe
the past-
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Nell refers to Joseph H. Putnam, an abolitionist, who was married to Caroline- sister of Charles Lenox Remond, an abolitionist leader. James McCune Smith was the first African American physician. Louisa was one of Nell's sisters. Sarah Birney was a mutual friend and an abolitionist. Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street. Jacob was one of Post's sons. William R. Hallowell was Post's son-in-law. Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. Ralph Waldo Emerson was a Transcendentalist and an abolitionist. Joshua Reed Giddings was an abolitionist. Henry Ward Beecher was a Congregationalist minister and a social reformer. F.D. refers to abolitionist and former slave, Frederick Douglass and his newspaper, the North Star. Phebe Thayer was a relative of the Post family. Nell refers to Julia Griffith, who helped to finance Douglass's newspaper. William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist and the editor of the newspaper, the Liberator. Susan B. Anthony was a woman's rights leader. Parker Pillsbury was a Minister and an activist leader. Francis Jackson was an abolitionist from Boston, who was affiliated with several different anti-slavery associations, including the Boston Vigilance Committee. John S. Jacobs was author and former slave, Harriet Brent Jacobs's brother.
Nell refers to the Spiritualist movement, whose followers believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. A. S. Knox was a trance speaker in the Spiritualist movement. Judge John Worth Edmonds was one of the most influential early American Spiritualists, and a New York State politician. Josiah Quincy Jr. was the Mayor of Boston. Free Love challenged the conventions of matrimony and monogamy. Catherine Fox Fish was one of the founders of Spiritualism, along with her sister Margaret Fox. "Non Et inventus" derived from the Latin for "not present". John Hume Kedzie was a lawyer and a politician, who served in the Illinois House of Representatives. Francis was one of Nell's sisters. William J. Watkins worked with Douglass.
(Page 1)
[Text in top margin, written upside down]
I have scribbled on until my sheet is full and my eyes admonish me
to say good night with love to all embraced in your household I am
your Mary
[Text normal]
Westbury 10 moth 26th
Dearly beloved
It is truly a long long time since
I have written to you and perhaps as long since you
have remembered us by letter but there have been very
many reasons which seem to me to be quite good excuses
but I will not take any time to prove to you that they
are sufficient but scribble on as fast as I can as I have
only a few minutes before I must leave to attend to dinner
after which I wish to spend the afternoon in making some
calls as the day is so surpassingly lovely I must improve it
Joseph and girls have gone to Flushing to Quarterly Meeting
and to make a visit at White Stone Joseph and self were there
some weeks ago found Edward quite feeble but a little better than
for some time before but laid on the sofa nearly half the time
so you may conclude he is not very well Aunt Rosetta quite lame
but with all these they have been as full of boarder’s and work as
ever and seems as anxious to accumulate as heretofore Mary is
also very poorly as you may have heard with a cancer or tumor I
do not know which in her breast and is suffering much from
pain and weakness in her back the cause of which the Dr’s do
not know It seemes [sic] to observers as though these various ailmen^ts^
were enough to damp the ardor of accumulation but I suppose
hope incites to exertion and it may be as formerly that where the
treasure is the heart will be also Many and varied changes
have transpired since I wrote some have gone home released
from life’s conflicts and care’s among the number is my dear and
honored aunt your beloved and venerated mother and althoug [sic]
(Page 2)
all especially dear uncle must feel bereaved by her removal I
trust all feel comforted in the assurance that the soul goeth not
home to an empty mansion and that she was prepared by a long
life on earth to receive the welcome from the home of the blest Enter
in weary soul enter into thy rest Mother feels deeply in her wea^k^
state the separation it was so unlooked for to her to be the survivor
she has improved in strength considerable since the first attack
but is still very feeble they are in constant want of a good
caretaker who it appears are very difficult to be found combining
the desirable qualifications necessary to make us all satisfied
They have made a part of Matthew’s family mostly since mother’s in a
oposition [sic] they now propose Harriotts should try to keep house for them
(she has done for mother) to commence next week I have but little
expectation of us being as agreeable but they can try it a little
while I am to go to assist them to arrange for the winter see to
clothes &c indeed I have scarcely ever been so much occupied bettween [sic]
the two home’s I feel as if I was rusting intellectually and wearing
physically but I think a better time is coming in the future
We have heard by William Titus I Rushmore & Lydia
Post a little of you and ^of^ your still having company as usual
but I must go for the present to attend to eccetras [sic] of life but S R we
have seen only a little while I wish he would come often we
used to xcuse [sic] him because Matilda could not go out much
I feel to congratulate you in having her a member of your
family circle we should feel ourselves sick if we were thus
favored hope health may be found in your vicinity as it can
not be on our bleak Island tho I feel lonely to think of
their removal from our midst we are so few perhaps
this evening I may add a word now
(Page 3)
Evening I have returned from my wandering and am now alone
xcept [sic] our girl and I feel somewhat lonely I may confess but how
different should I feel were it a sepparation [sic] of the dear one’s now
absent I saw Hannah Underhill widow of Jordan this afternoon at Mary
P Titus and felt much sympathy for her in her great bereavement she
is so far from friends and only her little children and girl for comp
- any there is much of sorrow in this beautiful world diming [sic] the
the [sic] pleasant pictures of life as I came home the sun was just sinking
below the horison [sic] but the reflection of his brightness was mirrored
in the clouds in resplendent beauty and thoughts in unison with
those of T Moore on a similar occasion “of how little he had done in
the world and how much he felt capable of doing &c but surely there
is some better sphere for those who have but begun their race in this”
where we may be permitted to work out our incomplete endeavours
I found Phebe Johnson with M P Titus E gone to Flushing the girls in N Y
Phebe was in fine spirits extoled [sic] the virtues of her remedy and contra
- sted her cure with others who had been treated by the first rate Dr’s who
almost invariably gave calomel and consequently were thrown into
some other form of desease [sic] I was really glad for Mary Ps benefit that
Phebe dwelt on the pernicious effects of calomel but fear Ms confidence
in Dr prescriptions will remain tho he might order calomel every night
for a week Abraham Hicks is very low I have not seen him lately only
those who wait on him and a few dear friends go in to see him now
he has appeared pleasantly cheerful and as is usual sorrow and
suffering rub off the asperity of feeling sometimes felt in health
towards the heretical Rachel will be very lonely I sympathise deeply
with her in this Abraham has been all she could desire as a son
Penna A S society now in session at Westchester are I doubt not having a
good time I very much wished to be with them again and also to be at
(Page 4)
Woman’s rights meeting the accounts from it indicate much of
interest and Lucy seems to be the favorite of all parties I began
to feel a little jealous that Lucretia was not named among the
first speakers but I am satisfied now in the beleif [sic] that she is one
of the greatest whether spoken of or not I fancy I see the smile when
she read Lucretia Mott in her not ^was motherly^ clear headed &c in her remarks
How cheering to W W Brown to receive such a welcome and so
many encomiums from the faithful for his course while abroad
I hope it may not be an injury to him I will remember the rece
-ption meeting in Phila to Frederick and the beautiful and touching
introduction by R Purvis accompanied with all the grateful eulogism^s^
of other speaker’s for his labors while abroad and now how sad the
present position he occupies in relation to the American Society
and its most prominent members The French are doing wonders
as you have probably seen in working for the Fair and with so little
information it really is astonishing Do you take the practical
Christian I forget? There is quite a controversy going on in it between
A Kent and Adin Ballou on Free Love It is too bad that spiritualists
should advocate such a revolting theory I have seen in some
other notices intimations of its gradual approach and could
hardly beleive [sic] I was not mistaken in the sentiments or meaning of the [sic]
so unwilling was I to beleive [sic] so hateful a doctrine
I do not hear of A J Davis having been in N Y lecturing the past
season or anything about him What a sad accident from carelessne [sic]
too that of the Arctic so many live’s sacrificed there have been many
sermons on the event ^several^ published in the Tribune among the number
two preachers in Orchard St and by Richard Mott good one from L Vining
from Fall River very poor placing all on God he might have prevented
it but in his inscrutable wisdom he so ordered it teaching man
to rely on him for when the judgments of the Lord are in the earth the
nations learn righteousness such doctrine I cannot endorse or approve
[Continues on top of page 1 with line beginning “I have scribbled”]
[Three lines of text written upside down along top margin of Page 1]
J H Putman Sends me an Australia Paper containing an
account of (Rochester) Pattersons ejection from a Saloon at
bidding of some Americans = Patterson recieved [sic] £50 damages
Kind Friend} Boston October 17- 1854
Amy Post and} Tuesday Eve. 6. oclock
the-Circle }
One week last Sunday I
commenced a letter= but a variety of
matters have interposed to the present
hence I begin again de novo_ as the
lawyers say
As You are probably aware
our party were all detained at the
Depot in Rochester along while owing
to an accident preventing an arriving
train = I did not dare leave for
36 Sophia St = for the Cake which
Sarah Birney promised = and which
would have done good Service = but I
practiced philosophy = accepted the Will
for the deed = as it was my own
forgetfulness tell Sarah Birney She
need not Save it until my next
Visit to Rochester = even though that
may be next April-
We did not reach Albany until
about 9 oclock = Brown and myself stopped
at Lydia Motts = Remond & excellent
half = at Wm. H. Topps = by advice of Mrs. Knox
we tooK the Northern route Via Grey &
Vermont = Remond & wife overtooK us at
(Page 2)
[One line of text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 2]
Yesterday in company with C F Hovey
Rutland = instead of saving two hours
we did not reach Boston until
9. . P.M. = but the Green Mountain
Scenery new to us all I. believe
amply compensated for the delay
Brown left with Remond for Salem =the
Depots =(being near nieghbers [sic]) = and they
attended the Laurence meeting Sunday
-
Theodore Parker= preached most grandly
next morning = Vacating his pulpit two
Succeeding Sundays for his Cincinnati
town = I noted in his discourse
the following = "Wisdom is Gods prime
Minister = Beauty is the Prime Ministers
wife" - Early deaths are
manslaughter V=–
Monday = Wm Wells Brown on his
way to dine with C. F. Hovey whose
Boys he had Londonised with -
met him (C. F. H.) in front of his
magnificent new Granite Bazaar
-
Brown and myself have supped several
times at Francis Jacksons once when
honored with Abby Kellys Company
(Mary Hallowell might have forwarded
that package by me for her-
(Page 3)
[Four lines of text aligned upside down along top margin of Page 3]
The Brown reception meeting has taxed my time and
Labor considerably = owning to complicated obstacles=
impediments = and preparing it for the Liberator also
Brown has a meeting tonight in Phila = he left here
I called at Wendell Phillips last evening =
found him responding to a large pile of
Letters = from Lyceum Committees V=
in reply to W. R. Hallowells question he told
me that he was perfectly willing to
lecture on anti slavery at Rochester at—
If he had a spare evening but he thinks
that the friends at Syracuse have
pre arranged for that =^^Sunday or other evening^ -I would advise
WR. Hallowell to correspond with W. P.
and the Syracusans at once = = perhaps
Rochester can Yet be gratified-
Mr Garrison left Yesterday morning
for Cincinnati = he had intended
Speaking at Rochester on his return home
So= all You have to do= is to prepare
the way for it= Election will then
be over probably = better address him
at once_ if in Cincinnati he can be
easily reached
The Boston Bazaar will probably be held
in a new hall near Music Hall
I shall hereafter send You what facts
I gain interesting or important for
your Circle-
I shall soon write to
Jacob
(Page 4)
Mr Garrison has lately had Some rare
Spiritual experience = communications
from N. P. Rogers as he told me similar to
those in Isaac Posts Book-
T . W. Higginson officiated for Theodore
Parker last Sunday = of course there
were many golden thoughts= aside
from his Sermon I had a pleasant
time with him in the ante room
one of the prerequisites of my position
Dr Knox tells me Hiram Wilson has 5 dollr per week
board from Mrs. Knox = The Dr has lately had
Some house difficulty with Mr Willis -the father
of N. P. W. = the old man is an Orthodox Deacon = but=
with him = contract unless written and witnessed
are not very binding == I presume the Doctor
who until this hour will come out right
Harriet Jacobs tells me today She expects to
leave here on Saturday She is improved in
health = and Sends Kind remembrances to her
Rochester friends.
For a weeK past I have had
on hand a Slave case = and with the aid of
Louisa = her son Ira = Lewis Hayden and J. K. Hayes
of Burns rendition notoriety have been attempting
to put as ^the^ girl en route for liberty (being brought
here by her master and of course free
She is a remarKably intelligent Girl but
relies so much on some slaveholding promises as to
hesitate = what the result will be I cannot
now tell = Write me Soon = Faithfully Yours W. C. Nell
William Cooper Nell, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing from Boston to fellow activist, Amy Post. Joseph Putnam was an abolitionist and married to Caroline- the sister of Charles Lenox Remond, an abolitionist leader. "de novo" comes the Latin "from the beginning". Nell refers to the Post family home at 36 Sophia Street. Sarah Birney was a mutual friend and abolitionist. William Wells Brown was a slave, who once he became free, worked as an anti-slavery lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian. After escaping to the North, Brown wrote the first novel by an African American, Clotel, as well as, Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave. Lucretia Mott was an abolitionist and a woman's rights activist. William H. Topps was a free black abolitionist and a tailor from Albany, New York. Charles Fox Hovey was a businessman and abolitionist from Boston, who established the department store C.F. Hovey and Co. A.S. Knox was a trance speaker in the Spiritualist movement. Followers of Spiritualism believed that through mediums they could communicate with the dead. Theodore Parker was an Unitarian Minister, who supported Church reforms and the abolition of slavery. Francis Jackson was an abolitionist from Boston, who was affiliated with several abolitionist groups, including the Boston Vigilance Committee. Abby Kelley Foster was also an abolitionist leader. Mary Hallowell was Post's step- daughter. William Lloyd Garrison edited the abolitionist newspaper, the Liberator.
Wendell Phillips was an abolitionist, Native American advocate and lawyer. William R. Hallowell was Post's son-in-law. Jacob was one of Post's sons. Nathaniel Peabody Rogers was an abolitionist writer and the editor of the New England anti-slavery newspaper Herald of Freedom. Nell refers to Isaac Post's book Voices From The Spirit World, Being Communications From Many Spirits. Thomas Wentworth Higginson was a Unitarian minister, author, and activist. Hiram Wilson was an abolitionist from Canada and opened his home in Ontario as a final stop on the Underground Railroad. Nathaniel Parker Willis, was a abolitionist, who helped to free and later employed author and former slave, Harriet Brent Jacobs, who wrote Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Louisa was Nell's sister and Ira was her son. Lewis Hayden Grimes was an abolitionist leader and former slave. Nell refers to Anthony Burns, who was a fugitive slave. Boston abolitionists worked to hide Burns, once he escaped from slavery to prevent his capture, thus challenging the legality of the Fugitive Slave Act. The case was eventually brought to trial, and Burns was returned to his master.